Ten Questions and Answers on Avian Influenza Prevention and Control
Published Time:
2016-06-14
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza is a respiratory infectious disease caused by a subtype of type A influenza virus, classified as a Class A infectious disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Pathogens are classified into three categories: highly pathogenic, low pathogenic, and non-pathogenic avian influenza.
How does avian influenza cause human illness?
Firstly, through airborne droplets. When infected poultry cough and chirp, droplets containing the H5N1 virus are expelled and float in the air, infecting humans through inhalation. Secondly, through the digestive tract. Eating the meat and products of infected poultry, poultry eggs, water and food contaminated by infected poultry, using utensils contaminated by infected poultry, or eating with contaminated hands can lead to infection and illness. Thirdly, infection can occur through damaged skin and conjunctiva, leading to H5N1 virus infection and illness.
What are the differences between avian influenza and the common flu?
Avian influenza mainly spreads among birds, occasionally infecting humans. Its clinical manifestations are similar to those of human influenza, but avian influenza in humans is more severe, with more complications and a higher mortality rate. Vaccination is ineffective, making it distinct from the common flu.
How long can the avian influenza virus survive?
Under certain conditions, the avian influenza virus can survive for a relatively long time. Studies suggest that it can survive for 105 days in feces and 18 days in feathers.
Can avian influenza spread from person to person?
Current laboratory tests are attempting to definitively determine whether the virus can be transmitted from human to human, potentially causing a global pandemic. The World Health Organization and Vietnamese experts emphasize that there is currently no evidence to show that the virus can be transmitted from human to human. However, the World Health Organization warns that if the virus mutates, the consequences will be very serious.
What are the transmission routes of avian influenza?
To date, three types of avian influenza have been transmitted from birds to humans: type A H5N1, type A H7N7, and type A H9N2. Transmission primarily occurs through direct contact between susceptible poultry and infected poultry or indirect contact with contaminated materials, such as contaminated drinking water, droplets, feed, and other contaminated egg cartons, egg trays, and transportation tools. Feathers and feces contaminated with the virus are important infectious agents due to their high virus content and long survival time, requiring special attention.
What are the clinical symptoms of avian influenza in humans?
Firstly, acute onset, with early symptoms similar to the common flu, mainly including fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, headache, and general malaise. Some patients may experience conjunctivitis. Secondly, body temperature mostly remains above 39℃, with a fever duration of 1 to 7 days, generally 2 to 3 days. Thirdly, some patients may experience nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and watery stools. Fourthly, half of the patients show signs of pulmonary consolidation. Fifthly, chest X-rays show unilateral or bilateral pneumonia in half of the patients, with a few cases accompanied by pleural effusion.
How should avian influenza be treated in humans?
The treatment for avian influenza is the same as for the common flu. Patients should rest and be hospitalized as early as possible, drink plenty of fluids, and take antipyretic and analgesic medications for high fever. Aspirin should be avoided in children to prevent Reye's syndrome.
Can you get avian influenza from eating chicken?
Studies have shown that eating cooked meat and eggs from infected chickens will not cause avian influenza virus infection. There are currently no cases of avian influenza virus infection from eating chicken meat and eggs.
What should be noted when eating eggs?
Eggshells may be contaminated with chicken droppings from infected chickens, which may contain the virus. Therefore, eggshells should be washed with running water, and handwashing is important. In addition, eggs should be cooked thoroughly and not eaten raw or half-cooked.
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