hamburger icon
A
अ
Read in Hindi

Sukhna lake fenced over bird flu scare

WrittenBy

Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Published : December 19, 2014 10:08 AM IST

thehealthsite.com top news

Chandigarh, Dec 18: Bird flu scare is spreading in Punjab and Haryana. After a sample of geese from Sukhna lake tested positive in Chandigarh for bird flu, authorities have fenced the lake to close the entrance near the water body as a measure of precaution. Reportedly, over 35 geese had died earlier at the lake due to unknown reasons. However, after testing them, H5N1 was found to be the cause of death, and an alert was raised. (Read: Bird flu scare in Chandigarh after duck sample tests positive)

All other tourist activities like boating and sight-seeing have been closed, confirmed officials. All authorities working around the lake are using protective equipment including masks and gloves to prevent infection. (Read; Coming soon a treatment for bird flu!)

The process of culling for around 70 geese has been initiated to prevent an outbreak in the city. 'We have taken the decision to cull the geese, numbering around 70,' said Director of Chandigarh's Animal Husbandry Department Prince Dhawan.

Also Read

The administration has deployed five rapid response teams to tackle any untoward situation. Public has been requested to not panic and officials of the Union Territory administration have confirmed to have fully prepared to handle any kind of emergency.

Here are warning signs and symptoms of bird flu you need to know

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Runny nose
  • Breathing problems
  • Muscle ache
  • Muscle pain
  • Diarrhea

Here are a few tips to prevent the spread of the viral disease to humans:

  • Maintain basic hygiene: Like all other influenza strains, H5N1 also causes general flu like symptoms in humans and can be easily spread through direct contact with the birds. Therefore, maintaining basic hygiene is essential. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. Use a tissue to cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing. Make sure you dispose-off the tissue immediately after use and wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Keep away from bird dropping: The virus is present in large amounts in droppings of infected birds. Therefore, farmers and those who handle these birds should wear protective equipment and wash their hands thoroughly in case of accidental touch.
  • Be careful while travelling: Those travelling to the affected areas should avoid visiting poultry farms and animal markets. In case of accidental contact, wash your hand immediately and seek medical help.

Image source: Getty images

For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditions section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

Add The Health Site as a Preferred Source Add The Health Site as a Preferred Source
Shraddha Rupavate

Shraddha Rupavate

Combining her Biotechnology background and sheer passion for reading and writing, Shraddha entered the field of scientific and health reporting in order to expand her knowledge base and communicate scientific information in the simplest form to millions of readers. ... Read More