First human case of 'bird flu' reported in Australia

24 May,2024

News Excerpt:

Australia has announced the confirmed case of bird flu in a human, in a child who is believed to have acquired it while in India some weeks ago.

More about the news:

A human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) infection, also known as “bird flu”, has been reported in Victoria, Australia.
There is no evidence of local transmission in Victoria and the chance of additional human cases is very low as avian influenza does not easily spread between people.
The child experienced a severe infection but is no longer unwell and has made a full recovery.

Avian Influenza in Australia:

The child was the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Australia, and the first detected case of the H5N1 strain in the country.
A different strain of bird flu was detected on the Victorian egg farm after several poultry deaths.

While the human case detected recently is the H5N1 strain, the strain on the farm was found to be a different H7N7 variety.

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza):

Avian influenza, commonly called “bird flu,” is a viral infection that usually spreads in birds but can sometimes spread to humans.
Influenza A(H5N1) is the most common cause in humans.
It can cause severe respiratory symptoms.
People who work with poultry, waterfowl (like geese and ducks) and livestock are most at risk.

Types of bird flu:

The most common subtypes that spread to humans are influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N9).

How common is bird flu in humans?

So far, bird flu infections in humans are rare.
There have been less than 1,000 known cases worldwide since it was first identified in humans in 1997.

Transmission of bird flu:

Humans can get bird flu if they come in contact with an infected animal’s body fluid, like spit (saliva), respiratory droplets or poop (feces).
A person can breathe it in from small dust particles in animal habitats or get it into your eyes, nose or mouth after touching body fluids.

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