Bird flu: causes, transmission, and public health impact

Bird Flu

Avian Influenza and its Possible Dangers to Humans

There is a possible epidemic which is waiting to explode all over the world. Millions of people could ultimately die from a subtype of influenza which originated in birds of various species. This virus, also known as H5N1, has possible disastrous consequences, which many, including the United State's federal Government, will be unable to respond to the severity if the epidemic. Due to the characteristics of the ever changing virus, millions of people would be completely vulnerable to the horrible symptoms associated with H5N1. Despite the ultimate danger, measures are being taken to further understand this deadly influenza in order to perfect vaccinations and ant viruses, as well as to better prepare the nation and the world.

In both human and bird influenzas there are many different subtypes; humans are usually affected by around fifteen different subtypes, while birds can be infected by all of the known subtypes. The subtypes which plague birds also endanger humans who may have had contact with invested flocks. Since 1997, there have been many recordings of humans infested with an influenza subtype most commonly associated with birds. Most infections are proven to be caused by bird contact, but there have been reports of infections due to human interaction, although much rarer. The viruses related to the bird flu are always changing and adapting. Sometimes, these viruses can show resistance to typical medication prescribed. This becomes very dangerous as more and more people are exposed to these deadly influenza strains. The bird flu has affected humans in a similar manner as other subtypes. However, there has also been reports of other symptoms such as "eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory diseases), and other severe life-threatening complications," (CDC 2007). The recent epidemic of SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is attributed by some to the bird flu. Symptoms of the bird flu in humans vary depending on the exact subtype which that individual has been infected with. Most people contract the avian influenza from coming into contact with infected birds, "During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds," (CDC 2007). The etiological agents which infect the body are transmitted through fluids and feces.

The most typical subtype is the Avian Influenza A, or the H5N1 virus (CDC 2007). A frightening percentage of more than half of all people who have contracted H5N1 have died. Most cases of contraction between humans falls into the realm of extremely close familial relationships, like between mother and child. However, there are still fears that H5N1 could mutate into a form which could be easier transmitted through human contact. Due to the nature of human infections now, the human immune system has no defense systems against H5N1, which means that it could possible have disastrous affects if an outbreak were to occur.