We all had been trying to evade the news of the avian flu threat for some time until Turkey reported cases of H5N1. We can no longer let this pass by as the threat seems to spread around the world in a pandemic way.
It started when a deadly strain of virus (H5N1) infected birds in slaughterhouses which were maintained at poor condition. This primarily generated in Asian countries since December 2003 and reported 117 cases so far. Humans who were in close contact with infected poultry easily contracted the deadly virus and showed rapid deterioration resulting in death in most of the cases.
The disease so far has been restricted to a few Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia. However, medical experts are of the opinion that this particular virus might mutate to other forms and can spread from humans to humans. Other specialists say that this is likely to happen if certain precautionary standards are followed.
The initial symptoms of influenza are high fever, lower respiratory tract congestion etc. There have been cases of diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding of nose and gums in some cases. In severe cases this infection has rapidly progressed to total respiratory failure. Most of the patients have therefore died within a span of 9 to 10 days since the contraction of the disease.
Infected persons need to isolate themselves to avoid spreading of the flu. It is important to maintain personal hygiene like washing of hands, covering sneezes and coughs and maintaining sanitary condition in the environment.
Hospitalization and medical intervention is most needed to monitor patients clinically, administer antiviral therapy and diagnose appropriately.
Infection is said to occur mostly from infected birds but transmission might occur from human hosts. One must update oneself continuously on the possible routes of transmission and take the preventive measures accordingly.
There has been a widespread of infection of the virus in migratory birds, mammals and humans. Hence we are at a risk of a pandemic occurring.
Only two drugs if administered during the early signs of the contraction can reduce the risk of mortality. They are: Tamiflu and Relenza as known popularly. However, these are in short supply and are highly expensive.
World Health Organization has taken certain strategic initiatives to increase the supply of drugs and vaccines. The focus has been tot o eliminate the strain of virus amongst birds and other animals, stockpile enough antiviral drugs and increase surveillance in affected countries.
In conclusion, it is important for all public health officials to monitor trends in poultry trade, livestock farming, human travel and patterns of behavior in migratory birds. These are some of the primary routes of transmission and adequate surveillance can save a nation from a pandemic. Let's control the disease before it controls us!
