H3N8 Bird Flu: With overlapping symptoms of COVID and flu, this bird flu first claimed a life in China. Since then, researchers have been trying to find out more about how H3N8 is spread.
H3N8 bird flu: Bird flu has always triggered a wave in animals, but until now it hadn’t hit humans. However, the first bird flu infection was reported in China in April 2022 in a child who later returned to health. Yet another case of H3N8 bird flu was reported from China but this time it claimed the life of a 56-year-old woman. So far, a total of three cases of human H3N8 infection have been reported, two of them in children who were exposed to poultry. Bird flu has never reported a death before, so the recent death has caused a small wave of anxiety. Now the looming questions are, how does it spread, what are its symptoms, and how do we prevent it?
What is the H3N8 virus?
It is a subtype of avian influenza. It was first detected in wild birds around 1960. Eventually, it was later found in other birds. In 2022 it reappeared and was known to infect horses and dogs.
How does the H3N8 bird flu spread?
According to doctors, H3N8 or bird flu is transmitted from birds to humans. No person-to-person transmission has been recorded. Speaking to india.com, Dr. Shalmali Inamdar, Consultant, Physician and Adult Infectious Disease, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai, said it is “commonly transmitted when people are in contact with an infected bird or bird droppings.”
According to the WHO, “Human cases of infection with avian influenza viruses usually result from direct or indirect exposure to infected live or dead poultry or contaminated environments. Transmission of avian influenza viruses from birds to humans is usually sporadic and occurs in a specific context.
H3N8: Symptoms and Prevention
In a statement, the WHO said that zoonotic influenza infections in humans may be asymptomatic or may cause disease. Additionally, Dr. Inamdar said that symptoms could include:
- Cough,
- Fever
- dyspnoea
- According to the WHO, conjunctivitis or mild flu-like symptoms have also been observed.
- severe acute respiratory disease
Prevention:
- Wash hands after contact with a contaminated surface
- Wear a mask when handling birds.
- Countries must raise public awareness
- Avoid contact with high risk environments such as live animal markets/farms, live poultry or
- Be vigilant and avoid surfaces that may be contaminated with birds or bird feces.
However, it is not yet clear what the exact source of this infection is and how this virus is related to other avian influenza A(H3N8) viruses circulating in animals. To better understand the current public health risk, more information is needed from research in both humans and animals.
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