Here’s a look at avian flu. Avian influenza, also called avian flu or bird flu, is an illness that usually affects only birds. There are many different strains of avian flu: 16 H subtypes and 9 N subtypes. Only those labeled H5, H7 and H10 have caused deaths in humans. The most commonly seen and most deadly form of the virus is called “Influenza A (H5N1),” or the “H5N1 virus.” Diagnosis/Treatment Most cases of human bird flu infections are due to contact with infected poultry or surfaces that are contaminated with infected bird excretions: saliva, nasal secretions or feces. Symptoms of avian flu include fever, cough, sore throat and sometimes severe respiratory diseases and pneumonia. The CDC recommends oral oseltamivir (brand name: Tamiflu), inhaled zanamivir (brand name: Relenza) and intravenous permavir (brand name: Rapivab) for the treatment of human illness associated with avian flu. See also CDC’s Guidance on Prevention and Treatment. As of May 17, 2024, the mortality rate is close to 50% for infected humans. Timeline Early 1900s -The avian flu is first identified in Italy. 1961 - The H5N1 strain is isolated in birds in South Africa. December 1983 - Chickens in Pennsylvania and Virginia are exposed to the avian flu and more than five million birds are killed to stop the disease from spreading. 1997 - Eighteen people are infected by the H5N1 strain in Hong Kong, six die. These are the first documented cases of human infection. Hong Kong destroys its entire poultry population, 1.5 million birds. 1999 - Two children in Hong Kong are infected by the H9N2 strain. February 2003 - Eighty-four people in the Netherlands are affected by the H7N7 strain of the virus, one dies. February 7, 2004 - Twelve thousand chickens are killed in Kent County, Delaware, after they are found to be infected with the H7 virus. October 7, 2005 - The avian flu reaches Europe. Romanian officials quarantine a village of about 30 people after three dead ducks there test positive for bird flu. November 12, 2005 - A one-year-old boy in Thailand tests positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. November 16, 2005 - The World Health Organization confirms two human cases of bird flu in China, including a female poultry worker who died from the H5N1 strain. November 17, 2005 - Two deaths are confirmed in Indonesia from the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. January 1, 2006 - A Turkish teenager dies of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in Istanbul, and later that week, two of his sisters die. January 17, 2006 - A 15-year-old girl from northern Iraq dies after contracting bird flu. February 20, 2006 - Vietnam becomes the first country to successfully contain the disease. A country is considered disease-free when no new cases are reported in 21 days. March 12, 2006 - Officials in Cameroon confirm cases of the H5N1 strain. The avian flu has now reached four African countries. March 13, 2006 - The avian flu is confirmed by officials in Myanmar. May 11, 2006 - Djibouti announces its first cases of H5N1 - several birds and one human. December 20, 2011 - The US Department of Health and Human Services releases a statement saying that the government is urging scientific journals to omit details from research they intend to publish on the transfer of H5N1 among mammals. There is concern that the information could be misused by terrorists. July 31, 2012 - Scientists announce that H3N8, a new strain of avian flu, caused the death of more than 160 baby seals in New England in 2011. March 31, 2013 - Chinese authorities report the first human cases of infection of avian flu H7N9 to the World Health Organization. H7N9 has not previously been detected in humans. December 6, 2013 - A 73-year-old woman infected with H10N8 dies in China, the first human fatality from this strain. January 8, 2014 - Canadian health officials confirm that a resident from Alberta has died from H5N1 avian flu, the first case of the virus in North America. It is also the first case of H5N1 infection ever imported by a traveler into a country where the virus is not present in poultry. April 20, 2015 - Officials say more than five million hens will be euthanized after bird flu was detected at a commercial laying facility in northwest Iowa. According to the US Department of Agriculture, close to eight million cases of bird flu have been detected in 13 states since December. Health officials say there is little to no risk for transmission to humans with respect to H5N2. No human infections with the virus have ever been detected. January 15, 2016 - The US Department of Agriculture confirms that a commercial turkey farm in Dubois County, Indiana, has tested positive for the H7N8 strain of avian influenza. January 24, 2017 - Britain’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs releases a statement confirming that a case of H5N8 avian flu has been detected in a flock of farmed breeding pheasants in Preston, UK. The flock is estimated to contain around 10,000 birds. The statement adds that a number of those birds have died, and the remaining live birds at the premises are being “humanely” killed because of the disease. February 12, 2017 - A number of provinces in China have shut down their live poultry markets to prevent the spread of avian flu after a surge in the number of infections from the H7N9 strain. At least six provinces have reported human cases of H7N9 influenza this year, according to Chinese state media, Xinhua. March 5-7, 2017 - The USDA confirms that a commercial chicken farm in Tennessee has tested positive for the H7N9 strain of avian flu, but says it is genetically different from the H7N9 lineage out of China. The 73,500-bird flock in Lincoln County will be euthanized, according to Tyson Foods. February 14, 2018 - Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection announces that a 68-year-old woman has been treated for the H7N4 strain. This is the first case of this strain in a human. June 5, 2019 - Since 2013 there have been 1,568 confirmed human cases and 616 deaths worldwide from the H7N9 strain of avian flu, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. December 2019 - The United Kingdom Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs confirms that a case of H5N1 avian flu has been detected at a poultry farm in Suffolk. 27,000 birds are humanely killed because of the disease. April 9, 2020 - The USDA confirms that a commercial turkey flock in Chesterfield County, South Carolina has tested positive for the H7N3 strain of avian flu. January 2021 - India culls tens of thousands of poultry birds after avian influenza is detected in ducks, crows and wild geese in at least a dozen locations across the country. February 18, 2021 - Russian authorities notify WHO that they have detected H5N8 in humans. “If confirmed, this would be the first time H5N8 has infected people,” a WHO Europe spokesperson says in a statement. June 1, 2021 - China’s National Health Commission announces the first human case of H10N3. February 2022 - The USDA confirms that wild birds and domestic poultry in the United States have tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian flu. April 26, 2022 - China’s National Health Commission announces the first human case of H3N8. April 28, 2022 - The CDC announces a case of H5 bird flu has been confirmed in a man in Colorado. March 25, 2024 - The USDA, FDA and CDC announce H5N1 has been identified in US dairy cattle for the first time. The virus has been confirmed in dairy cattle in nine states. May 3, 2024 - A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals a dairy worker was treated for bird flu after working with dairy cattle in Texas. He appears to be the first known case of mammal-to-human transmission of the virus. May 28, 2024 - The US Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories announces H5N1 has been confirmed in alpacas for the first time. The animals that tested positive were on a farm in Idaho where poultry had tested positive for the virus and were culled in May. November 22, 2024 – The CDC announces a case of H5 bird flu has been confirmed in a child in California. This is the first reported case in the US of a child infected with H5 bird flu. December 18, 2024 - The CDC confirms a patient in Louisiana has been hospitalized with a severe case of H5N1 bird flu, the first such case in the US. According to the CDC, the patient was exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks; this the first US bird flu case linked to a backyard flock. In January 2025, it is reported that the patient has died. February 6, 2025 - Six dairy herds in Nevada test positive for a newer variant of the H5N1 bird flu virus that’s been associated with severe infections in humans, according to the Nevada Department of Agriculture. The strain is not the same one that has been circulating in other dairy herds throughout the US, a virus called B3.13. The newer version, D1.1, has previously been detected only in birds and in people who had contact with infected birds. May 28, 2025 - The US Department of Health and Human Services announces it is terminating a $590 million contract with drugmaker Moderna to develop a vaccine to protect against bird flu amid the agency’s broader efforts to reevaluate therapies that use mRNA technology.
Avian Flu Fast Facts
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Overview of Avian Influenza and Its Impact on Human Health"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Avian influenza, commonly referred to as avian flu or bird flu, primarily affects birds but has various strains that can infect humans. The virus comprises 16 H subtypes and 9 N subtypes, with only the H5, H7, and H10 strains known to cause human fatalities. The most notorious among these is the H5N1 strain, which has a nearly 50% mortality rate in infected humans, highlighting the severity of this illness. Human infections typically occur through direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces, leading to symptoms that range from fever and cough to severe respiratory issues and pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends antiviral treatments such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and permavir (Rapivab) for those affected by avian flu. The CDC continues to provide guidelines for prevention and treatment to mitigate the risks associated with this disease.
The history of avian flu dates back to the early 1900s, with significant outbreaks recorded over the decades. The first human cases emerged in 1997 when H5N1 infected 18 people in Hong Kong, resulting in six deaths, prompting the culling of 1.5 million birds. Subsequent outbreaks have occurred globally, including notable incidents in Vietnam, Turkey, and China, with the H7N9 strain causing significant concern since its emergence in 2013. As of 2024, the virus has also been detected in dairy cattle, marking a shift in its transmission potential, with the first documented mammal-to-human transmission reported in a worker in Texas. The ongoing evolution of avian flu strains and their potential impact on public health necessitates continuous monitoring and research, particularly in light of recent developments in human cases and the need for effective vaccines. The CDC remains vigilant in tracking these developments to protect both animal and human health.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a comprehensive overview of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, focusing on its history, strains, symptoms, and treatments. By detailing the virus's impact on both birds and humans, it aims to inform the public about potential risks and preventive measures associated with avian flu.
Purpose of the Article
The information appears to be intended to raise awareness about avian flu, particularly its potential threat to human health. The emphasis on the high mortality rate in infected humans serves to underscore the seriousness of the disease. By detailing the history of the virus and its transmission to humans, the article seeks to educate readers about the importance of biosecurity and the need for vigilance in preventing outbreaks.
Public Perception
This news piece may foster a sense of urgency in the community regarding avian flu outbreaks. By highlighting past cases, especially those leading to human fatalities, the article could evoke concern and encourage individuals to stay informed about health advisories. It also positions the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a reliable source for guidelines on prevention and treatment, potentially bolstering public trust in health authorities.
Omitted Information
While the article provides critical information, it may downplay certain aspects, such as the effectiveness of vaccines in birds or the overall risks of human infection, which remain low in many cases. The focus on the most severe strains might lead readers to perceive avian flu as an immediate threat rather than a manageable risk under controlled conditions.
Reliability of the Information
The information presented appears factual and is supported by historical data and recognized health organizations like the CDC. However, the focus on mortality rates could be seen as sensationalist if not contextualized with the relative rarity of severe human cases compared to the overall population.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other health-related news, this article connects to broader themes of zoonotic diseases and pandemics, especially in the wake of COVID-19, which has heightened public awareness of viral transmission between animals and humans. It aligns with recent health discussions regarding the importance of monitoring animal health to prevent potential outbreaks.
Potential Impact on Society and Economy
Increased awareness and concern about avian flu could lead to stricter regulations in poultry farming, affecting the agricultural sector and potentially leading to economic shifts. If outbreaks occur, it could impact food supply chains and drive prices up, influencing consumer behavior and market stability.
Target Audience
The article seems to target a general audience, particularly those interested in public health, agriculture, and animal husbandry. It could resonate more with communities involved in poultry farming or those living in areas where bird flu is a known risk.
Market Implications
Investors might react to news of avian flu outbreaks due to potential impacts on poultry markets. Stocks related to agricultural production or companies involved in vaccines and treatments could experience volatility, making this information relevant for market analysts and investors.
Global Power Dynamics
The article’s relevance extends to global health security discussions, particularly in light of how outbreaks can lead to international trade restrictions and health crises. The ongoing discourse about pandemic preparedness makes this topic pertinent in today's geopolitical climate.
Utilization of AI in Writing
While it is unclear if AI was used in the article's composition, the structured presentation and clarity suggest that advanced writing tools or algorithms could have assisted in organizing the information. The focus on statistical data and historical timelines may reflect a systematic approach often facilitated by AI.
In conclusion, while the article presents essential information on avian flu, it does so with a focus on severity that may evoke strong public reactions. The combination of factual data and historical context serves to educate while also potentially inciting concern about avian flu's implications for public health.