Recently scientists have confirmed the first case of bird flu in Antarctica. This is the first time that extremely dangerous bird flu has been confirmed on the Antarctic mainland. Bird flu is also called avian flu which is a type of influenza (flu). It mostly infects wild water birds.
Scientists from Argentina have verified the presence of the virus in samples taken from a dead Skua seabird discovered close to the Antarctic Base Primavera. The example emphasizes how the H5N1 avian flu, which has devastated bird populations worldwide in recent months, poses a threat to Gentoo penguins and neighboring islands. In this regard, CSIC stated in a statement, “The analysis revealed that the birds were infected with the H5 sub-variant of avian influenza and at least one of the dead birds contained highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.”
Scientists also said it is the first time a deadly type of bird flu has been confirmed on the Antarctic mainland, posing a potential threat to the southern region’s giant penguins. Let us know what bird flu and all the important things is related to it-
What is bird flu?
Bird flu, also called avian flu, is a type of influenza (flu) that mostly infects wild water birds, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, it can also infect domestic birds such as poultry and other animals. This is a strain of influenza A type virus.
Not only this, bird flu can also infect people. However, its cases are seen very rarely. The most common subtypes affecting humans include A(H5N1), A(H7N9), and A(H9N2). Its symptoms can range from mild to severe flu-like illness, which can cause respiratory failure or even death.
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
Symptoms of bird flu may vary among people. These may include common flu symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Vomiting
- Eeyes turning red
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Body and muscle pain
- Fever of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius)
Bird flu can also cause serious respiratory symptoms and conditions, including:
- Pneumonia
- Respiratory failure
- Acute Respiratory Distress
- Shortness of breath dyspnea
Who does bird flu affect?
Bird flu usually affects people who have been in contact with infected birds, live or dead. These may include chickens, turkeys, waterfowl (ducks, swans) and birds of prey (hawks) that may have come into contact with infected waterfowl in the wild. Infected birds can spread the virus through their saliva, feces (feces) and mucus. In very rare cases, these people who become infected through contact with infected birds may also have their family members and other close contacts infected.
The penguins organized a "swing" on a small iceberg in Antarctica – a video of this entertainment was shown by Ukrainian polar explorers from the Akademik Vernadsky station.
"The birds had a little rest and went on to hunt for krill in the ocean," the research center said. pic.twitter.com/eRZGidnfSi
— Hromadske Int. (@Hromadske) December 24, 2023People who are most at risk of developing serious illness after becoming infected with bird flu include the following:
- Pregnant women
- People with weak immunity
- People 65 years of age or older
- How does bird flu spread?
If you breathe in the virus present in droplets or dust, you can become infected. After touching something infected, you can also get infected by touching your eyes, nose or mouth with the same hand.
Bird flu can also be spread from people who were infected to people who had no contact with infected birds, but this is rare. You can’t get bird flu from eating properly processed poultry, but you should avoid eating anything that contains raw meat or blood.
How to protect yourself from bird flu
- People who work in poultry farming are most at risk of bird flu. If you work in poultry, it’s important to take precautions like wearing protective equipment at all times.
- If you are not employed in the poultry industry, steer clear of traveling to poultry markets and farms.
- If you come into contact with wild ducks or other aquatic birds, exercise caution.
- Make it a practice to wash your hands frequently and refrain from touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with unclean hands.
- In the event that you go to a region where bird flu cases are reported, be sure to notify your doctor right away if you experience any flu-like symptoms.
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