DNA Special: How Avian Flu is 20 times more dangerous than COVID-19

Even as the country is still suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the bird flu virus is spreading its wings and how. Avian flu has been reported from at least six states in the country with a large number of crows, chickens and migratory birds dying in various parts of the country.

In Haryana, a large number of chickens have been suspected to have died in poultry farms in Panchkula. In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 152 birds were also killed, 12 of whom were confirmed to have the virus.

In Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur, 250 birds have died in a week, out of which four have had bird flu virus. In Himachal Pradesh, more than 2,300 migratory birds have died in Kangra’s Pong Dam. Around 1,700 ducks have died on the farm due to the virus infection. Officials said around 40,000 domestic birds, including 34,000 in Kuttanad region alone, will be culled to check the spread of the H5N8 virus.

Over 170 new bird deaths were reported in Rajasthan on Monday, amid an outbreak of bird flu in some parts of the country, officials said. According to the Animal Husbandry department, over 425 deaths of crows, herons and other birds have been reported in the state so far. According to the Animal Husbandry department, 80 deaths were reported in Bikaner on Sunday, 42 in Sawai Madhopur, 12 in Kota, 12 in Baran, 8 each in Pali and Jaipur, six in Dausa, five in Jodhpur and two in Jhalawar. The deaths have been reported in 15 districts of the state. On Saturday, the department officials had said 252 such deaths were reported.

Several cases were reported from Bihar, too.

What is Bird Flu?
Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

Avian influenza is a viral disease that is contagious and can spread from one bird to other birds and animals. Many birds die due to this disease. It can also be transmitted to humans. Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred.

All over the world, 18,64,000 people died of the coronavirus within a year and the corona mortality rate is 3% at this time. While the mortality rate of patients infected with Bird Flu is 60%. This means that Bird Flu is much more dangerous for humans than the coronavirus. The mortality rate of patients with Bird Flu is 20 times higher than that of the corona. After being infected with Bird Flu, the symptoms begin to appear in a person within 2 to 8 days. 

What are the symptoms?
Fever, cough, runny nose, headache, swelling in the throat, muscle ache, stomach issues, difficulty in breathing, infection in the eye.

Like the coronavirus, the bird flu virus can also be fatal. These viruses can also kill humans like birds. In humans, the virus of the Bird Flu enters the eye, nose and mouth. Therefore, your best effort should be not to be infected with this virus. The two biggest questions in your mind will be whether we can eat eggs or chicken?

Yes, eggs can be eaten, however, these should be hard-boiled or well-cooked. According to the World Health Organization, eating at a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Celsius does not cause virus infection.

Those who eat chicken should be careful as only well-cooked chicken should be eaten, eating half-cooked chicken can be dangerous. People who give food to pigeons should be careful too.

Wearing facemasks, keeping surroundings clean and washing hands are of utmost importance.