H5N1 Avian Flu (H5N1 Bird Flu)
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian (bird) flu virus that has
caused serious outbreaks in domestic poultry in parts of Asia and the
Middle East. Highly pathogenic refers to the virus’s ability to produce
disease. Although H5N1 does not usually infect humans
H5N1 Avian Flu (H5N1 Bird Flu)
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian (bird) flu virus that has
caused serious outbreaks in domestic poultry in parts of Asia and the
Middle East. Highly pathogenic refers to the virus’s ability to produce
disease. Although H5N1 does not usually infect humans, nearly 650 cases
of human cases of H5N1 have been reported from 15 countries since 2003.
- Most
human cases of “highly pathogenic“ H5N1 virus infection have occurred
in people who had recent contact with sick or dead poultry that were
infected with H5N1 viruses. About 60% of people infected with the virus
died from their illness.
- Unlike other types of flu, H5N1 usually does not spread between people.
- There have been no reported infections with these viruses in birds, poultry, or people in the United States.
- You cannot get infected with these viruses from properly handled and cooked poultry or eggs.
What is highly pathogenic H5N1?
H5N1
is an avian (bird) flu virus that has caused outbreaks in domestic
poultry in parts of Asia and the Middle East. Because H5N1 is so deadly
to poultry, it is considered “highly pathogenic,” or highly disease
causing.
Is highly pathogenic H5N1 virus still a threat?
Since
2003, 650 human infections with highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses have
been reported to the World Health Orgranization (WHO) by 15 countries.
About 60% of these people died from their illness.
In 2011, 62
human H5N1 cases and 34 deaths were reported from five
countries—Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, and Indonesia. Six
countries— Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam—have
widespread and ongoing infections in their poultry. Poultry outbreaks
have occurred in other countries recently as well.
Could I get highly pathogenic H5N1?
Human
infection with H5N1 is rare. Most infections occurred after direct or
close contact with poultry infected with H5N1. There is no evidence that
this virus can spread easily between people.
Symptoms and possible complications of highly pathogenic H5N1 in people can include:
Symptoms:
- Fever and cough
- Acute respiratory distress
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Complications:
- Pneumonia
- Respiratory failure
- Shock
- Altered mental state
- Seizures
- Failure of multiple organs (e.g. kidney failure)
- Death
How can I prevent highly pathogenic H5N1 virus infection?
The
best way to prevent infection is to avoid any contact with sick or dead
poultry. This includes avoiding visiting live poultry markets that may
be infected with H5N1 when traveling. Also avoid sick people who might
have H5N1 virus infection in affected countries.
The United States
government carefully controls domestic and imported food products. The
US bans poultry and poultry product imported from countries whose
poultry are infected by certain bird flu viruses, including H5N1.
You
cannot get highly pathogenic H5N1 virus infection from properly handled
and cooked poultry and eggs. When preparing poultry or eggs:
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw poultry or eggs
- Clean cutting boards and other utensils with soap and water to keep raw poultry from contaminating other foods.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure you cook poultry to a temperature of at least 165o F.
- Cook eggs until whites and yolks are firm.
Thailand has begun a phase 1 clinical trial
to test an H5N1 avian, or bird, influenza vaccine in a needle-free,
nasal spray form. This trial is a result of international collaboration
with health agencies around the world, including the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development
Authority (BARDA). This is the first step in testing the new vaccine in
humans. The study and data analysis is expected to be complete by May
2013.
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