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Bird Flu is in the news. West Bengal is the
worst affected. Neighbouring States are also affected.
Fortunately, no suspected human cases of Avian Influenza had
been detected. Five samples tested so far had reported negative.
There were no fresh cases of unusual mortality in poultry on
Thursday. About 24 lakh birds have been stamped out.
A campaign would be launched on All India
Radio as not many villages had access to television. There were
no fresh cases of bird flu in West Bengal after the spread in
nine districts. The contingency plan
of the Ministry of Health had been implemented in the affected
districts.
Persons having upper Respiratory Infection
and/or temperature were being monitored. Health care facilities
had been indentified with isolation ward and critical care
facilities for management of human cases of Avian Influenza. The
animal health staff involved in the culling and sanitisation
operations were being monitored.
We give below some facts about Bird flu.
*What is avian influenza (bird flu)?
Avian influenza is a viral infection that affects wild birds and
poultry. In rare cases it causes severe infections in humans.
The most dangerous strain is H5N1.
*How does it spread?
It can spread from birds to humans through close contact with
live infected poultry or surfaces and objects contaminated by
their faeces. Exposure is most likely during handling,
slaughter, plucking or butchering of poultry for cooking. If the
virus mutates, it may transmit from person to person. To date no
incidents have been reported.
*What are the key symptoms?
In birds : swelling of head, blue colour comb/wattle, loss of
balance, haemorrhages on legs.
In humans: fever, cough, muscle ache, difficulty breathing.
Treatment is needed within 48 hours.
*Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs?
Yes, but ensure that both are well cooked.
*How can we combat it?
Vigilance in poultry farms: Those handling birds on a daily
basis to have fortnightly eheck ups. Supplies of personal
protective equipment to be distributed and used.
Drugs: Roche's antiviral Tamilflu is stocked by Central
Government and will be made available if needed in States from
designated outlets.
*Hospitals: Medical training for doctors and nurses, isolation
wards to be established.
*Daily precautions: Avoid contact with sick or dead poultry.
Always wash hands with soap and water after handling raw meat
and egg shells.
Toll free Helplines: All Districts 1056, State level 1800 425
1868.
Source: Agencies and internet
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