More livestock workers infected with the bird flu than reported
A new study has found that more people might be infected with bird flu than first reported. Here are signs to look out for...
In April, the World Health Organization voiced alarm that there is a "growing spread of H5N1 bird flu to new species, including humans, who face an extraordinarily high mortality rate".
Later in June, AFP reported that the first man died from the bird flu.
A report by the World Health Organization states: 'The first laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with H5N2 avian influenza virus had been reported from Mexico.'
In October 2023, a report by The National Institute For Communicable Diseases quoted statistics released by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRD), which stated that "the current influenza A(H5N1) outbreaks have been ongoing since April 2023 and to date, 10 outbreaks in poultry (Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal) and 39 outbreaks in non-poultry birds (Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West provinces) have been reported".
The report added that "to date, 50 outbreaks to date have been reported in poultry farms (Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and KwaZulu-Natal provinces) and non-poultry birds in Gauteng".
READ: US reports fourth human case of bird flu linked to cows
In the latest report, CNN states that a new study has revealed that more livestock workers have contracted the bird flu than has been reported.
“I am very confident there are more people being infected than we know about,” said Gregory Gray, the infectious disease researcher at the University of Texas Medical Branch who led the study, according to CNN.
Gray said this is because "surveillance has been so poor”.
“We need to figure out what we can do to stop this thing,” Gray said.
He added that the bird flu "is not just going away."
How bird flu spreads
According to NHS, bird flu spreads through touching infected birds, touching droppings or bedding, or killing or preparing infected poultry for cooking.
Symptoms
- A very high temperature or feeling hot or shivery
- Aching muscles
- Headache
- A cough or shortness of breath
- Diarrhoea
- Sickness
- Stomach pain
- Chest pain
- Bleeding from the nose and gums
- Conjunctivitis.
READ: Another year to recover from bird flu outbreak, says SA Poultry Association
If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor or go to your nearest clinic.
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
More From East Coast Radio
Image courtesy of iStock/ @iStock