Facts about the Bird Flu, H5N2 Virus
Minnesota declared a state of emergency on Thursday after the avian flu led to the extermination of more than 7.3 million birds in the country.
According to Reuters, "the highly pathogenic H5N2 strain of bird flu has been identified on 46 Minnesota farms in 16 counties and affected more than 2.6 million birds in the state."
Avian influenza also known as the "bird flu" is caused by a virus called Avian Influenza, H5N2. Most avian influenza viruses only effect birds; however, there are some rare forms which can infect both humans and birds.
Most of the cases of the bird flu in humans have resulted from human contact with:
- infected poultry (specifically domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys)
- surfaces contaminated with the secretions (saliva, mucous, tears), feathers, or excretions (feces) from infected birds.
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from:
- typical human influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches)
- eye infections
- pneumonia
- severe respiratory diseases (difficulty breathing, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome),
- death
The best way to prevent infection with avian influenza viruses is to avoid sources of exposure. Most human infections with avian influenza viruses have occurred following direct or close contact with infected poultry.
Consider avoiding places where domesticated birds might be present, i.e. farms, rural areas, open markets. I would recommend wearing a mask if you have exposure to birds (since all birds that you come in contact with have the potential of being infected) and make sure to wash your hands throughout the day (especially after handling poultry, meats, or touching public surfaces).
According to the Food and Drug Administration, bird flu cannot be transmitted by eating properly cooked poultry meat or eggs from infected birds. Poultry meat is safe to eat if it's been cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Eggs should be cooked until the yolk and white are firm.
I hope this information was helpful!
Please continue to email me your questions at DoctorDeenaMD@gmail.com.
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