CHENNAI: The city is now on surveillance mode for H5N1 avian influenza, which has prompted health authorities to warn people about possible exposure to the virus and discuss early symptoms and precautionary steps. The development has raised alarm bells as authorities struggle to contain human-to-human transmissions and oversee public health response in areas affected by the virus.
The H5N1 strain, often referred to as avian influenza or bird flu, resides largely in birds and can infect humans on rare occasions. A few cases have been reported in northern suburbs of Chennai (where exposed to infected poultry) and these were symptomatic for influenza-like-illness, according to health experts. But officials stress that human cases continue to be extremely rare and there is currently no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
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Symptoms to Watch
Organisers say the first symptoms of H5N1 infection may mirror those of seasonal flu but can become severe more quickly. Commonly observed symptoms include:
High fever
Persistent cough
Sore throat
Muscle aches
Breathlessness
Fatigue and weakness
Those who have these symptoms, particularly with recent poultry exposure, are advised to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and supportive therapy are important to avoid complications, particularly in elderly individuals and patients with comorbidities.
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Risk Factors and Transmission
The H5N1 virus is primarily spread among bird populations through contact with infected poultry, though domesticated birds may also transmit the virus. Transmission to people generally is associated with close, unprotected contact with infected or dead birds. Health officials say activities most people engage in every day are low risk by comparison: Casual contacts with healthy people and visits to places that have not been the source of outbreaks.
Doctors also say that the virus does not easily spread from person to person. It is this feature of H5N1 that sets it apart from viruses that quickly spread through respiratory droplets, such as seasonal flu or COVID-19. Officials are still tracking the outbreak itself and carrying out contact tracing of those who may be exposed to confirmed or suspected cases.
Preventive Measures
Health experts and public health departments have provided some guidance in ways to avoid getting infected:
Do not have direct contact with live birds, including poultry and wild birds in affected areas.
Clean your hands regularly with soap and water.
Use masks when you go to crowded or high-risk settings.
Poultry products should be fully cooked before consumption.
Receive proper medical care for flu-like symptoms after being near birds.
There have also been guidelines delivered to communities and poultry farmers to quickly notify if there are sudden deaths among birds of unknown causes, as well as implement the recommended bio-security practices in poultry farms and markets. “Veterinary teams are closely monitoring bird populations to help prevent the spread.
Health Department Response
State health officials have seen no significant clusters of human cases and as of now are reporting no deaths. They have also assured the public that steps to prevent the outbreak, such as treatment guidelines and protocols, are in place and hospitals are ready to take care of suspected cases. Further Monitoring, and updated, notices can be expected as the situation develops.
