H5N1 virus in human: Is bird flu mutating faster? Symptoms to prevention, all you need to know

H5N1 first human death was reported in USA. Since then, health authorities have been monitoring and cases and shave sounded alarm regarding its mutation rate.

Bird flu or H5N1 avian flu has sounded alarm after first human death due to the infection was reported in USA this year. Experts are monitoring the situation and more research is underway pertaining the mutation. The avian influenza first emerged in China in 1996. Since then, it has spread widely across the globe. Reportedly, this strain of the flu has higher ability to replicate n the brain making ot sever case for humans. However, due to no pre-existing immunity, the current antiviral treatment may be effective.

This pathogenic avian influenza A is a subtype that is found in cows, birds and other mammals. Cases have been reported in humans too. Poultry workers or those in close contact with infected birds are at high risk What is assuring is that the CDC has detected “no person-to-person transmission spread”, the experts noted as per IANS report.

“No doubt that human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A, H5N1 virus that primarily causes bird flu, has a high potential for severe respiratory infection as well as high mortality, with over 50 per cent among around 1,000 human cases worldwide. The biggest solace is that human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and almost not heard of,” said infectious disease expert Dr. Ishwar Gilada.

H5N1 has in recent years seen a significant increase in spillover to mammals. The virus has killed a record number of birds, besides also spreading to otters, sea lions, minks, foxes, dolphins, and seals, among others. In 2024, people working on dairy farms contracted the virus from sick cattle, raising concerns about the further spread of the virus.

“Rather the virus seems to have jumped from poultry directly to man and caused either severe disease or death. These cases occurred when humans handled chickens that were sick with the virus. The concern here is that when they looked at the virus in humans and compared it to those found in the poultry farm, the virus had already made new mutations. This shows the virus is capable of mutating quickly to adapt to human cells,” the expert explained.

H5N1: Symptoms and Precaution

Several experts suggest that India can be at ris of the flu due to its vast poultry sector, wetlands, migratory flyways etc.

Symptoms:

• Conjunctivitis
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Cough

In severe case it may lead to sepsis, respiratory failure, pneumonia etc.

Prevention

So far, no human-to-human transmission has been reported. However, it is essential to lower the risk of contracting the virus in the first place by adhering to these precautions:

• Wash your hands regularly. If you come in contact with wildlife, animals, birds on street, ensure to wash hands with soap.
• Protective gear: Mask up, wear gloves, eye protection to keep yourself protected from contaminated dust, feathers, feces.
• Cook food thoroughly: All the poultry products should be cooked at good temperature to kill the virus.
• Limit exposure: Avoid working close with animals, poultry to reduce risk of bird flu.