Bird flu: What it is, what are the risks and how to protect yourself health
S. Brazil confirmed Friday 16, Two birds of bird flu in Rio Grande de Sol. One of them – the most disturbing – was recorded on a farm to produce fertile eggs in Montenegro, in the urban area of Porto Alegre, the first case identified in the country’s commercial birds. Another focus occurred in Sapucia Do Zoo, about 50 km from 90 aqueous birds. As a preventive measure, the place was closed to visit.
The Black Montecine’s attention was caught on the Black Montecine for ratios: More than 15,000 birds died in a 17000 team. Those who survived have been sacrificed, and all egg production has been tracked in the past four weeks and ignored. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Tamrum has issued a decree in an emergency case in the event of a 60 -day vitality in the region, with restrictions within 10 km.
A The presence of the infectious worker in Brazil has caused concern since 2023When defining it in the country for the first time, in wild birds.
What is bird flu?
Bird flu, or bird influenza, is a contagious disease caused by a type A -type flu virus that can affect birds, and rarely mammals, including humans. The H5N1 sub -type, classified as a high disease, is mainly responsible for the outbreak of the last disease. Since 2022, cases have been constantly registered in the countries of the Americas, including Argentina, Chile, the United States, and recently Brazil.
This disease is very infectious between birds and its main sign is sudden death. Lot mortality can exceed 60 %, reaching 100 % in more aggressive cases, according to the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (Embrapa). Other signs include coughing, nasal mucus, decrease in egg production, bleeding, swelling in the joints and changes in the coloring of the top.
Is there a danger to humans?
According to the Ministry of Health, “The more bird influenza viruses spread among birds, there is a risk of separate occurrence in human cases by exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments.”
Experts explain that despite the possibility of human injury, opportunities are very low. “Confirmation of the virus does not indicate a position outside of control,” said Isabella Palai, director of the Brazilian Vacation Association (SBIM), in an interview with Estadado. “On the contrary, it shows that the monitoring system works.”
The cases occurred almost exclusively by direct and unprofessional connection with contaminated birds. Therefore, poultry professionals should use protective equipment such as masks and gloves. Local creations also require attention: sudden deaths must be connected immediately to health authorities.
Transmission between people, when it happens, is rare, limited and ineffective.
Symptoms of bird flu
In humans, primary symptoms are similar to common flu: high fever, coughing, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, there is a rapid development of respiratory discomfort and severe pneumonia. Other symptoms reported abdominal pain, nose or gum bleeding, headache and chest pain. The rate of the girl reaches 50 %, which is one of the highest among the known viruses.
Since 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 874 human infections, including 458 deaths. In Brazil, there is no record of infection in humans yet.
Is it safe to consume eggs and chicken meat?
Yes. The bird influenza virus does not resist heat, so do not transmit the cooked foods well the disease. The guidance is to avoid raw or bad cooked products, such as fine egg eggs, which have already been recommended to avoid other eating infections.
