First Bird Flu Case Reported in West Bengal, 5 MUST Know Tips to Prevent Infection

First human case of bird flu has been confirmed by the World Health Organisation (ICU) in West Bengal. This is the second human case reported in India. The first ever vase of bird flu was detected on 1997.  The WHO on Tuesday said a case of human infection with bird flu caused by the H9N2 virus was detected in a four-year-old child in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, Reuter reported.  The patient was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) of a local hospital due to persistent severe respiratory issues, high fever and abdominal cramps in February, and was discharged three months later after diagnosis and treatment, the WHO said.

Reportedly, “The patient had exposure to poultry at home and in his surroundings, and there were no known person reporting symptoms of respiratory illness among his family and other contacts.  This is the second human infection of H9N2 bird flu from India, with the first in 2019, the agency said.

While the H9N2 virus typically tends to cause mild illness, the United Nations agency said that further sporadic human cases could occur as this virus is one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses circulating in poultry in different regions.

BIRD FLU SYMPTOMS:

• Persistent headaches
• Fever
• Diarrhoea
• Sore throat
• Runny Nose
• Muscle ache
• Breathing Issues

BIRD FLU PREVENTION TIPS

1. Maintain Hygiene: Always wash your hands before eating food and after coming back from public spaces. Everyday are hands lay on several surfaces that may have certain bacteria and virus on the. Hence, it is always advised to maintain proper hygiene.
2. Mask Up: When there is a rise in cases of infection, it is always better to wear masks in public spaces. With regards to bird flu, incase you visit a poultary farm, it is better to mask up to avoid transmission of virus.
3. Avoid close contact with infected species, animal excreta, droppings, saliva etc.
4. Proper Cooking: It is advised that one should properly cook food. Avoid consuming raw food, uncooked chicken, eggs etc.
5. Immunity Boosting Diet: It is imperative to have a nutrient-rich diet everyday. A meal rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals help to lower risk of any deficiencies and health issues. Diet rich in Vitamin C, A, zinc, fibre, protein  etc helps to boost immunity A strong immunity helps to combat invasive pathogens and virus that may enter the body.

There is no definite answer of the aviation flu can get transmitted via human to human contact. Nonetheless, it is always better to be safe than sorry.