| Republic of the Philippines
Province of Pangasinan MUNICIPALITY OF CALASIAO MUNICIPAL HEALTH OFFICE |
| AVIAN FLU or “BIRD FLU” |
| Influenza Virus
There are three types: A,B,C • Influenza Type A: can infect people, birds, pigs, horses, seals and other animals, but wild birds are the natural hosts for these viruses • Influenza type B: normally found only in humans. Can cause epidemics. • Influenza Type C: cause mild illness in humans and do not cause epidemics Avian Influenza Viruses Only influenza A viruses infect birds. Wild birds are the natural host for all subtypes of Influenza A virus. Typically, wild birds do not get sick when they are infected with influenza virus. Domestic poultry such as turkeys and chickens can get very sick and die of avian influenza. Some avian viruses can cause serious disease and death in wild birds. The risk of pandemic resulting from H5NI If H5NI viruses gain the ability for efficient and sustained transmission between human, and since there is little pre-existing natural immunity to H5NI in the population. Influenza could result with high rates of illness and death. Spread of Avian Influenza viruses among Birds Avian influenza viruses circulate among birds worldwide. Infected birds shed the virus in saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Birds can become infected with avian influenza virus when they have contact with contaminated nasal, respiratory, or fecal material from infected birds. Fecal - to - oral transmission is the most common spread between birds. Avian Influenza Infection in Humans • While it is unusual for humans to get influenza virus infections directly from poultry or wild birds, a number of human infections caused by certain avian influenza A viruses have been documented since 1997. • Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans are thought to have resulted from contact with sick birds, uncooked infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. • H5NI infections can cause serious disease that is often fatal. Who are the individuals at Risk * In areas where H5NI has been reported or is suspected - Any individual in close contact with infected birds - Poultry handlers/workers - Vendors/people in live chicken sale - Aviary workers/Ornithologists - Cullers - People living near poultry farms Exposure During the 7 days before the onset of symptoms Contact (within 1 meter) with live or dead domestic fowl or wild birds or with person suspected to have bird flu Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Humans - Typical influenza like symptoms ( e.g. fever cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) - Eye infections (conjunctivitis “sore eyes” ) - Dyspnea or difficulty of breathing, acute respiratory distress - Viral pneumonia - Pneumonia - Other severe and life threatening complications. Incubation Period 3 days, range 2-4 days Prodromal Stage 0-1 day of high fever (above 38 C). Cough Lower Respiratory Stage 1-7 days early dyspnea crackles rapid progress to respiratory distress – respiratory failure. Quarantine of Contacts • Stay at home for 7 days and self-monitor for fever, cough or difficulty of breathing or any signs and symptoms of illness • Refer sick persons to the Referral Hospital for SARSCase Fatality Rate: Recovery in 30% of cases. Most cases have died in spite of ventilatory support after about 10 days. Causes of death and complication are severe viral pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failureAntiviral agents for influenza • Four antiviral drugs have been approved by FDA for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir, zanamivir • However, sometimes influenza strains can become resistant to there drugs No human vaccine available to prevent avian influenza |
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