World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed a second human case of bird flu in India. (DC File Photo)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed a second human case of bird flu in India. The infection was detected in a four-year-old child in West Bengal. Bird flu is caused by the H9N2 virus.
The child was admitted to the local hospital's pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) after suffering with severe respiratory issues, high fever and abdominal cramps. After receiving treatment, the child has been discharged from the hospital.
The health body reported that the child was exposed to the poultry at home and in the surrounding area. With no other family members or contacts have reported respiratory symptoms. Details of the child's vaccination status and antiviral treatment were not available at the time of report.
This was the second human case of bird flu reported in India, the first case was reported in 2019.
WHO said that further sporadic human cases could occur as H9N2 virus is one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses circulating in poultry across various regions.
H9N2 virus:
H9N2 is a subvariant of the avian influenza virus and it is commonly found in birds. The virus spreads if the person comes in direct contact with the infectious animals or indirect interaction with the contaminated environment.
Symptoms:
The symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and conjunctivitis. Severe symptoms also include difficulty in breathing and pneumonia. H9N2 is less infectious compared to other avian influenza strains such as H5N1 and H7N9.
Treatment
Treatment for H9N2 bird flu includes antiviral medications like zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu). It also includes supportive care like relaxation, hydration and treatment of fever and respiratory problems.
In severe cases, the patient need to be hospitalised for intensive care and respiratory support to manage the infection.
The health body reported that the child was exposed to the poultry at home and in the surrounding area. With no other family members or contacts have reported respiratory symptoms. Details of the child's vaccination status and antiviral treatment were not available at the time of report.
This was the second human case of bird flu reported in India, the first case was reported in 2019.
WHO said that further sporadic human cases could occur as H9N2 virus is one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses circulating in poultry across various regions.
H9N2 virus:
H9N2 is a subvariant of the avian influenza virus and it is commonly found in birds. The virus spreads if the person comes in direct contact with the infectious animals or indirect interaction with the contaminated environment.
Symptoms:
The symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and conjunctivitis. Severe symptoms also include difficulty in breathing and pneumonia. H9N2 is less infectious compared to other avian influenza strains such as H5N1 and H7N9.
Treatment
Treatment for H9N2 bird flu includes antiviral medications like zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu). It also includes supportive care like relaxation, hydration and treatment of fever and respiratory problems.
In severe cases, the patient need to be hospitalised for intensive care and respiratory support to manage the infection.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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