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Bird Flu Outbreak in India: In a recent development, India has logged the second human case of avian influenza A (H9N2). The first case of H9N2 was reported in India in 2019. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a case of human infection with the Avian Influenza A (H9N2) virus was detected in a child in West Bengal. Speaking to the media, health officials have confirmed that the child has now recovered and was discharged from hospital.
Scroll down to know more about the H9N2 Avian Influenza virus type, and how it spreads to humans, affecting them and causing serious health complications.
The H9N2 Avian Flu/ bird flu is a branch of the Influenza A virus that primarily targets birds, while also being capable of affecting humans. The recent cases reported in humans have raised questions about the origin of this variant, and how the virus' spread can be managed.
H9N2 Avian Flu mainly affects poultry birds such as chickens and turkeys. The virus originates from the Influenza A virus. Back in 1999, the first H9N2 cases in humans popped up in Hong Kong. Since then, the variant has been a kind of bird flu common in poultry across regions such as Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
H9N2 Avian Flu Variant symptoms show up in humans much like your regular flu symptoms, such as:
Usually, the infection leads to mild illness, but severe complications can arise, especially for people with compromised immune systems or pre-existing health conditions.
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), the virus can spread via direct contact with fluid carrying the virus. "Coming into direct contact with infected birds or their droppings is the primary way H9N2 Avian Flu Variant spreads. It is less common, but technically possible, for it to transmit from human to human, particularly in settings where close contact is prevalent", experts quoted as saying.
Can you stop the spread? Well, the good news is that humans can lessen the potential of catching it by simply practising good personal hygiene, steering clear of sick birds, and following proper food safety guidelines.
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