It has not been very long since the rapidly increasing coronavirus cases halted a little and we set off in the normal course of our daily lives. Sadly enough, another virus seems to have been making headlines for quite a few days now.
Bird Flu or Avian Flu has come back yet again to rattle the economic fabric and the healthcare system of our society. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the rate of mortality of bird flu in humans is 60%, which entails that 60% of infected people die from the Avian Influenza.
New Year, New Virus?
This started when the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC) established concern over the fact that there might be a new strain of H5N1 or Avian Influenza, clade 2.3.4.4b, that is affecting wild birds and domestic poultry in Cambodia.
Although no human-to-human transmission has been identified in the earlier cases, the risk factor remains immense.
Cambodia carried out tests on at least 12 individuals for the H5N1 strain, following the death of an 11-year-old girl resulting from the virus. This happens to be the country’s first documented human transmission in almost 10 years.
What Happened In Jharkhand?
Two distinct central teams have been assigned to help the state of Jharkhand avoid an outbreak of bird flu. The Jharkhand government has issued an alert following the discovery of bird flu instances at a state-run chicken farm in the Bokaro district.
Also Read: Bird Flu Outbreak: Is It Safe To Consume Meat, Eggs Amidst Flu Scare?
The Jharkhand government has been recommended to initiate control and containment operations as per the Action Plan for Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza (2021).
What Has Been The Response In Kerala Till Now?
In response to the discovery of bird flu cases in the state, Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated that there is no reason for concern, but measures need to be taken to prevent the infection from spreading to people.
As per a government release, the Minister stated that all districts have already been notified and that all individuals should pay heed to the Health Department’s instructions.
Bird flu has indeed been detected in one of Kottayam districts’ wards in Chempu panchayat, and 1,317 birds, which include ducks, chickens, and love birds, have already been culled.
The district administration disclosed in a statement that the revenue, health, police, panchayat, and animal protection agencies partnered with one another to exterminate the birds and methodically eliminate the remains.
Disclaimer: This article is fact-checked
Image Credits: Google Photos
Feature Image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: The Hindu, Times of India, Economic Times
Connect with the Blogger: Srotoswini Ghatak
This post is tagged under: bird flu, avian influenza, health ministry, Chief Minister Kerala, Jharkhand government, influenza virus, Covid 19, bird flu in Kerala
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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