H9N2 Bird Flu in India 2024 Causes, Symptoms & Stay Protected Recently on Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a human case of bird flu in India. This bird flu is caused by the H9N2 virus. This H9N2 virus bird flu has been found in a four-year-old child from West Bengal. This is the first case of this year. The first infection of bird flu was reported in India in 2019. The child was admitted to the hospital since February due to respiratory symptoms as well as high fever. And after three months of treatment, he was discharged from the hospital.
The H9N2 virus can spread to humans through direct contact with infected poultry or polluted environments. However, this subtype is not as pathogenic as other subtypes such as H5N1 or H7N9. But it is best to take precautions. It causes less severe disease in birds and humans.
Preventative Measures for H9N2 Bird Flu Virus 2024
To reduce the spread of the bird flu virus or H9N2 infection, experts recommend close monitoring of poultry populations and prompt response to any disaster. The main focus should be on poultry vaccination, strict biosecurity measures and public awareness campaigns. Health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) continue to monitor the situation and educate the public.
- Avoid Direct Contact with Birds:- Keep away from birds, especially those that are sick or dead. Also, keep away from markets of live birds like poultry etc.
- Practise Good Hygiene:- Wash your hands thoroughly after coming in contact with birds or poultry products. Additionally, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you cannot wash your hands immediately.
- Cook Poultry Thoroughly:- If you cook or eat poultry products, you need to take precautions. Cook your poultry products, such as eggs and meat, to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential viruses. Never eat raw or undercooked poultry products.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment:- If you are working on a poultry farm, you are advised to wear gloves, masks and protective clothing when handling birds. Always dispose of your PPE after use. They should not be reused.
- Disinfect Surfaces and Equipment:- Just cleaning yourself is not enough. You also have to keep the places and equipment that come in contact with the birds clean and disinfected. You can use appropriate disinfectants to kill the virus from those places and equipment.
- Stay Informed:- To stay safe, stay updated on the latest data released by health officials and organizations like the WHO and CDC.
- Limited Exposure in High- Risk Areas:- If you are travelling somewhere, you should be aware of whether there is an outbreak of bird flu in a particular area or not. If still, it is necessary for you to go there, then take all precautions for your safety.
- Monitor Health:- If you notice any symptoms in your body like fever, cough, sore throat and breathing problems, then you must get your bird flu test done. The bird flu virus mainly affects the respiratory system. If you notice any respiratory symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
- Vaccination:- Vaccination is the key to any infection and disease. While there is no immunity yet for this H9N2 virus, you can still get vaccinated against seasonal influenza. This will protect you from bird flu to some extent.
H9N2 Bird Flu Symptoms 2024
- Seizures
- Severe respiratory distress
- Recurrent high grade fever
- Abdominal cramps
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