A new avian influenza virus, H5N1, has emerged in the US, raising concerns about a potential pandemic. The global health organization, World Health Organization (WHO), has stated that over 995 dairy cow herds and at least 70 humans have been affected by the virus.
The H5N1 virus is highly infectious and can cause severe respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). While there are currently no reported deaths due to human transmission, experts warn of a high mortality rate if the virus spreads easily among humans.
According to WHO, the virus primarily infects animals but has been detected in people who had close contact with infected birds or environments. To prevent severe illness and death, patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection should be treated with antiviral medicines as soon as possible.
In areas where H5N1 outbreaks have occurred among animals, it is safe to consume meat products and eggs if they are properly prepared. However, raw or undercooked eggs and meat from sick or dead animals should be avoided due to the high risk of infection.
The WHO advises people to avoid raw milk and instead opt for pasteurized milk or heat raw milk until it boils to make it safer for consumption. Experts also warn that the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/h5n1-virus-in-us-sparks-global-health-crisis-know-its-symptoms-mode-of-transmission-vaccine/articleshow/120829814.cms?from=mdr