USA: 'H5N1' virus spreading among humans too, it is 100 times more dangerous than Covid
According to the Daily Mail report, there have been reports of avian flu infection in a poultry service in Michigan and a dairy worker in Texas. There have also been reports of dairy cows getting infected with bird flu and this is the first such case.
The American CDC on Friday issued a warning expressing concern over bird flu. According to a New York Post report, experts have warned that the bird flu epidemic could be "100 times more dangerous than Covid". According to the Daily Mail report, there have been reports of avian flu infection in a poultry service in Michigan and a dairy worker in Texas. There have also been reports of dairy cows getting infected with bird flu and this is the first such case.
What are the symptoms of 'H5N1' virus?
Concern has increased after a case of H5N1 avian flu was found in a human. According to a New York Post report, the symptoms of bird flu are similar to other flu, including cough, body aches and fever. Some people may not develop noticeable symptoms, but others may develop severe, life-threatening pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that an infected dairy worker in Texas reported swollen eyes as her only symptom.
The patient was asked to remain isolated and is being treated with an antiviral drug for the flu, the CDC said. "The agency and the entire US government are taking this situation very seriously," CDC Director Mandy Cohen told the Washington Post.
According to the state health department, the only symptom of the Texas patient was swelling in the eyes. To avoid this infection and prevent its spread, the CDC recommends personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as revaccination, antiviral treatment, screening of patients, and individuals exposed to wild and pet animals and livestock. Monitoring is recommended.
Death due to bird flu: 52 out of 100 died:
World Health Organization (WHO) data shows that out of every 100 patients infected with the H5N1 virus since 2003, 52 have died, making the mortality rate for those infected with the H5N1 virus more than 50 percent.
According to the Washington Post report, to prevent any possible spread, America has first started work on making a vaccine for this virus.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said that the Biden administration is keeping an eye on the threat. “We take the health and safety of the American people seriously,” he said at his briefing on Wednesday. “This is very important to this President. “Our top priority is keeping communities healthy, safe and informed.”