Mass culling of birds was undertaken in cuttack by authorities after samples collected from a State-run duck breeding centre tested positive for the deadly strain of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) which spreads from bird to bird.
About:
What is H5N1? H5N1, is a subtype of the influenza A virus that causes a highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza (or "bird flu"). Human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally.
How does H5N1 influenza spread to people?
Almost all cases of H5N1 infection in people have been associated with close contact with infected live or dead birds.
it is very difficult to transmit the infection from person to person.
According to WHO, there is no evidence that the disease can be spread to people through properly prepared and thoroughly cooked food. It is because the virus is sensitive to heat. Normal temperatures used for cooking will kill the virus.
Impact: Apart from economic consequences, H5N1 infection in humans can cause severe disease and has a high mortality rate. When people do become infected, the mortality rate is about 60%.
Symptoms of H5N1 avian influenza in humans: Fever (often high fever, > 38°C) and malaise, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. Other early symptoms may include abdominal pain, chest pain and diarrhoea.
Treatment: The antiviral medicine Oseltamivir / Tamiflu can reduce the severity of illness and prevent death, and should be used in all cases.
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