There is growing
concern in New Delhi as more birds are found dead after an outbreak of H5N1
(avian flu) killed several birds at the local zoo in early October.
Citizens fear that the flu is spreading beyond the walls and into the rest of
the city and unfortunately it seems as though these fears are well
founded. Since October 21, at least 10 birds have been found dead around
the city, and since the zoo closed there have been reported deaths from a local
migratory bird sanctuary.
H5N1 is a zoonic
subtype of Influenza A of the orthomyxoviridae family. Although humans are not
the primary host of the virus, experts agree that it would only take a few
mutations for a highly virulent strain to emerge. Despite inefficient
transmission, tpuoltry workers are at moderate risk for contracting the illness.
Beginning symptoms include high fever, diarrhea, sore throat, and abdominal
pain, but these can worsen and lead to respiratory distress or pneumonia. The
current Asian strain has a mortality rate of about 60%.
In response to
the outbreak, the government is advising citizens to stay away from all bird
carcasses for the time being, and has provided a hotline for people to report
dead birds. Additionally, there are government response teams throughout the
city to keep things clean, especially near poultry farms. At this time the state
has issued reassurances that there is no reason to panic, and there is no ban
on cooked poultry. Nevertheless, officials say they have stocks of Tamiflu
tablets should the virus begin to infect humans.
Elisa Hofmeister '18
No comments:
Post a Comment