On June 11, 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed a case of Bird Flu with the H9N2 virus in a 4-year-old child from West Bengal. The case was recognized in January 2024
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WHAT HAPPENED IN THE BIRD FLU CASE?
In February, the child was showing symptoms of abdomen cramps and a high fever and was then later reported to be having seizures, due to which the patient was admitted to the hospital. The hospital discharged the kid in February.
Yet, on March 3rd, 2024 the patient was re-admitted due to complaints of respiratory disease. A swab sample was taken and it was sent to the National Institute of Virology. There it was confirmed to be an H9N2 virus.
After continuous treatment and repeated diagnosis, the patient was discharged from the hospital on May 3rd, 2024. The patient was under the care of the Pediatric care unit of a local hospital.
There were no complaints from other family members regarding respiratory issues. The kid was exposed to poultry farms, becoming the only one being affected by the disease.
CAN IT CAUSE A PANDEMIC?
H9N2 is a virus circulating via poultry farms. Virus detection can lead to more cases among the people.
The disease is mild and has a low effect on people. But it can become serious and require intensive medical care, something similar to what happened to the kid from West Bengal.
The issue is also becoming more important as there have been a total of four cases outside of India. Three were from the US and one from Australia. The one in India was the only H9N2 virus, others were H5N1.
WHO has called for rigorous investigation of the virus in humans and animals. With a good study and data to support the spread, we can prepare for further spreading of the disease. If the data hints toward any dangerous number of affected, it can prove to be the cause of a future pandemic. For which we must prepare if required.
HOW TO AVOID THE VIRUS?
The Bird Flu is known to be happening to the people involved with poultry, the ones handling animals and birds. People need to reduce contact with birds, animals, their feces, and their dead bodies. Activities such as slaughtering, collecting eggs, and preparing animal food can cause the said disease. When having an encounter with animals, one must take care of their hygiene. Washing hands and sanitizing should be done regularly. Children, senior citizens, and pregnant women are the ones with a high risk of getting the bird flu.
The infection can spread to the ones consuming the meat as well. Cooking the meat can prevent cross-contamination from the meat.
The easiest way to deal with the disease is to take precautions when in contact with animals or consuming poultry. Precaution is better than cure.
