IMA BULLETIN

DR SHASHI UPRETI

Avian Influenza/ Bird Flu (H7N9) :

Is a disease caused by influenza type A virus. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can affect domestic poultry, other birds and animal species. Avian flu virus does not naturally infect human, however, sporadic human infections have occurred. Infected birds shed avian influenza virus in their saliva mucus and faeces. Human infection can happen when enough virus gets into the eyes, nose or mouth, or through the inhalation of droplets.

Signs and Symptoms:

Low pathogenic viruses cause conjunctivitis to influenza-like illness to pneumonia requiring hospitalisation. High pathogenic virus infections may be associated with shortness of breath, acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure, with sometimes, multi-organ disease. Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI – H7N9) and High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H592, H5N8, Asian H5N1) has been responsible for the most human illnesses till date.

Exposed Person:

A person who has been in contact with a sick or dead bird in the last ten days

Monitor for 10 days after last exposure.

Treatment:

Neuraminidase inhibitors (Oseltamivir, permivir)

Prevention: