Avian Influenza H5N1 Outbreak in India

11-Year-Old Boy Dies from Bird Flu Virus in India

On July 21, 2021, the National IHR focal point of India notified WHO of one human case of avian influenza H5N1. This is the first human case of bird flu in India since 2008.

The victim was an 11-year-old boy from Kerala state. He developed symptoms of bird flu on July 16, 2021, and was admitted to the hospital on July 18, 2021. He died on July 21, 2021.

The boy's family members have been tested for bird flu, and their results are pending. Health officials are conducting contact tracing to identify other people who may have been exposed to the virus.

Outbreak of Avian Influenza H5N1 in Poultry

In addition to the human case of bird flu, there have also been several outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in India.

The first outbreak occurred in January 2006 in Maharashtra state. Since then, there have been outbreaks in several other states, including Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh.

The outbreaks have resulted in the culling of tens of thousands of poultry birds. Health officials are urging poultry farmers to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

Symptoms of Bird Flu

The symptoms of bird flu can vary depending on the strain of the virus. In humans, the symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

In severe cases, bird flu can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death.

Treatment for Bird Flu

There is no specific treatment for bird flu. Treatment is supportive and includes measures to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Antiviral medications may be used to treat bird flu, but they are most effective when started early in the course of the illness.

Prevention of Bird Flu

There are several things you can do to prevent bird flu, including:

• Avoid contact with sick or dead birds
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling poultry or poultry products
• Cook poultry products thoroughly
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs
• Get vaccinated against bird flu if you are at high risk of exposure