"Bird flu". How to avoid it?

Avian influenza ("bird flu") is an acute infectious disease caused by one of the strains of influenza A virus, the most pathogenic of which are A(H5N1) and A(H7N9).

We remind you that human **infection** with bird flu **occurs** through close contact with infected live and dead domestic and wild birds.

Infection is possible if meat and eggs from sick birds are consumed without sufficient heat treatment.

It should be remembered that secretions of infected birds, entering the environment (air, water, food), pose a danger, as humans can easily become infected through airborne droplets, while swimming or consuming raw water, and even through dirty hands.

A sick bird can be identified; it is characterized by unusual behavior, impaired coordination of movements (wry neck, head circling), lack of reaction to external stimuli, and a depressed state. Difficulty breathing, swelling, and blackening of the comb and wattles are noted.

If a person gets infected with "bird flu", the period from infection to the first signs of illness can range from a few hours to 5 days. Later, symptoms similar to seasonal flu appear: acute onset, chills, fever up to 38°C or higher, muscle and headaches, sore throat. Watery diarrhea and repeated vomiting are possible. The condition of an infected person deteriorates rapidly.

After 2-3 days, a moist cough appears, often with blood, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.

The danger of the bird flu virus lies in the fact that it very quickly leads to complications of the disease in the form of pneumonia.

According to the World Health Organization, since 2003, 856 laboratory-confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection have been reported from 16 countries worldwide, including 452 fatal cases. The latest cases of A(H5N1) virus infection were registered in Egypt.

According to the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection, 800 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infection have been registered in China since February 2013. Human infections continue to be primarily associated with contact with live domestic poultry or environmental objects contaminated with the virus, including at live poultry markets.

According to the WHO, there is currently no information on sustained human-to-human transmission of the virus, and the overall risk associated with the A(H7N9) virus has not changed.

Furthermore, sporadic human infections with avian influenza viruses A(H5N6), A(H9N2), and A(H10N8) are being registered in China.

In recent months, an outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N8) has been observed in Asia and Europe, leading to the death of wild and domestic poultry.

According to the International Epizootic Bureau, since June 2016, cases of infection of wild birds and/or domestic poultry with avian influenza A(H5N8) virus have been reported in Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and the Russian Federation.

It is a known fact that wild birds play a significant role in the long-distance transmission of these viruses. Several countries along migratory routes remain at risk of introduction and spread of the A(H5N8) virus. The WHO includes countries in the Middle East, South Asia, the European Union, West Africa, and the former Soviet Union among these countries.

The spread of avian influenza among domestic poultry in the Northern Hemisphere during the influenza and ARI epidemic season increases the risk of potential reassortment of human and avian influenza viruses, leading to the formation of a new strain.

Preventing infection can be achieved by observing preventive measures.

1. Avoid contact with domestic and wild birds on farms, in markets, as well as places of mass bird gatherings on open water bodies.
2. Strictly observe the cooking technology for poultry and eggs.
3. Use only boiled or bottled water.
4. Refrain from purchasing poultry and eggs from unauthorized points of sale.
5. Get vaccinated against seasonal flu in a timely and regular manner. If you are visiting a country endemic for avian influenza virus, vaccination is necessary 3-4 weeks before the trip.

Dear residents of the Republic of Mari El, we draw your attention to the need for careful selection of countries for tourist trips.

If, after returning from a country where "bird flu" is prevalent, you experience malaise, consult a doctor as soon as possible to establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.