Influenza viruses belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae. They are one of the primary causes of morbidity and death and have been implicated in many pandemics and epidemics of respiratory illnesses. Influenza A, B, and C are the three genera of influenza viruses. Viral RNA is composed of several (−ve) sense single-stranded RNA segments. Every segment codes for a unique viral protein with a unique function. While the influenza C virus contains seven RNA segments, the influenza A and B viruses each have eight. The nucleus is where RNA replication normally takes place.
A virus known as avian influenza A may cause avian influenza, often known as bird flu. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and may infect domestic poultry, avian, and mammal species. Although human infections with avian flu are rare, people are often not affected. The H5N1 subtype of the avian influenza virus (AIV) is the most common strain. Although there are other forms of the avian flu virus, H5N1 was the first to infect humans. Long-term persistence of H5N1 is possible. H5N1-infected birds may continue to spread the virus via their saliva and excrement for up to 10 days. From the point of infection, which is often found in outdoor markets where eggs and birds are sold in crowded, unclean conditions, the illness may spread. The main way to get bird flu seems to be via contact with ill birds or surfaces tainted by their droppings, saliva, or feathers. How the illness spreads to humans is yet unknown. It is unusual for humans to transmit bird flu to other people. Nevertheless, diseased birds—not humans—pose the most threat. There are two varieties of avian flu that affect birds: a mild form and a highly contagious form known as the fowl plague. AIV is further divided into two subtypes: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Scientists have genetically modified H5N1 to increase its infectiousness in order to better comprehend the virus's potential for pandemics. But concerns over its possible use as a biological warfare weapon were raised by the prospect that it may be transmitted to humans.
Through the worldwide traffic in live poultry, as well as migratory birds, the illness is readily spread from one location to another. Workers at slaughterhouses and poultry farms who come into close contact with ill birds have a significant risk of contracting an infection. Numerous HPAI cases have been recorded globally this year (Fig. (Fig.1a).1a). Even though there have been a few isolated cases of person-to-person transmission since 1997, continuous transmission has not been observed. However, two viral subtypes, such as the human influenza virus and the avian flu virus (H5N1), may combine portions of their gene pools to generate new viral subtypes after a rapid evolution and mutation known as antigenic shift. Most people either show no symptoms at all or have mild upper respiratory symptoms, such as headache, chills, muscular pains, high-grade fever, anorexia, and dry cough, which manifest after an 18–72-hour incubation period. It is a self-limiting illness that cannot be distinguished from illnesses brought on by other pathogens of the upper respiratory tract. Patients with underlying chronic heart, kidney, lung, or liver illness, any disorders affecting the central nervous system, and those with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are considered high-risk groups.
Nearly 60% of those infected have died from AIV H5N1, which was first identified in humans in Hong Kong in 1997, according to the WHO. during 800 individuals contracted H5N1 between 2003 and 2016, resulting in a fatality rate over 50% during a 13-year period. Most H5N1 infections and fatalities in humans occurred in Egypt, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
A human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) was recently reported from Hong Kong, China in October 2022 (Fig. (Fig.1b).1b). Two human instances were previously recorded, one from the United States of America in April 2022 and one from Spain in September 2022. Two poultry workers on a single farm in Spain were infected on September 20, after an epidemic among chickens. These people were found to have acquired the virus by coming into contact with contaminated poultry and its surroundings. At the time of the epidemic, no signs of person-to-person transmission were found5. A human case of avian influenza A virus was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on April 29, 2022, in Colorado State, USA. After being kept apart and given antivirals, the patient made a full recovery.
A lady of reproductive age from Qinzhou, Guangxi, who worked closely with domestic poultry on the Chinese mainland, began to exhibit symptoms on September 22 and passed away on October 18 from pneumonia. 54 H5N1 human cases—including 32 fatalities—have been reported in Mainland China since 2005. This event, which occurred in the year 2022, is the first recorded worldwide mortality from avian influenza and the fourth instance in humans. Since 2003, the Western Pacific Region has reported 240 instances of the human avian influenza A (H5N1) virus, with a 56% case fatality rate as of November 2022. 865 cases from 21 countries were recorded globally between October 5, 2022, and the case fatality rate was 53%.
Avian influenza is being actively monitored by the WHO, China's Department of Health, the Centre for Health Protection, and others. instances, and the public was advised to practice stringent personal hygiene and environmental conservation at home and while out and about. It was advised to everyone visiting the Mainland not to visit farms or wet markets that sold chicken. A strong alert was also sent out to those who kept chickens in their backyards. It was recommended that locals buy chicken carefully, either live or recently butchered, and refrain from handling the birds or their droppings.
If symptoms appear, travelers returning from the disease-affected region were advised to see a medical expert for a timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Travel history or history of close contact with live poultry, which exposes one to a contaminated environment, had to be disclosed. For the prompt isolation, diagnosis, and treatment of any possible case, all of these measures were vital. During the epidemic, a public alert was issued about the handling of chickens. The advice advised against purchasing live chickens and handling them, said that eggs should be boiled through and that they should be properly cleaned if contaminated with feces. Eating raw eggs or combining any sauce with them is not recommended. It was recommended to wash your hands well before touching your mouth, nose, or eyes, handling food or eating anything, touching public utilities like escalators, elevator panels, door knobs, or handles, or when your hands were contaminated by coughing or sneezing9. Avoiding exposure sources is the greatest defense against infection; infected birds excrete the bird flu virus in their feces, mucus, and saliva. At all costs, one should avoid close, extended, and unprotected contact with diseased birds.
Global monitoring is required to identify and monitor genetic and epidemiological changes associated with new or circulating influenza viruses that may impact humans and poultry, since these viruses are always changing and developing into distinct strains. An extensive epidemiologic examination should be conducted if there is any indication that a new influenza virus with pandemic potential is causing cases in humans. Travel to the impacted region and a history of animal and avian exposure should be considered.
Workers who sample ill birds, dispose of infected birds and eggs, and clean polluted environments should get training on how to properly utilize personal protective equipment when avian influenza cases are common in the region. After their final interaction with the chickens or their surroundings, all of these individuals should be monitored closely at nearby medical institutions for at least one week. Visitors should observe good food hygiene procedures. According to the International Health Regulations, State Parties to the International Health Regulations are obligated to swiftly inform WHO of any confirmed case of influenza A virus having the potential to produce a pandemic5. Notification of any human illnesses caused by a new influenza subtype is mandatory.
The globe is at danger of an epidemic since there have been several reports of HPAI worldwide and because there is now a human case that has been fatalized by H5N1. If there is an influenza pandemic, it will exacerbate the strain on public healthcare systems and vital community services already experienced by the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic and the monkeypox epidemic. Planning and responding to outbreaks fundamentally involves surveillance and monitoring, as well as the development of novel vaccines, antivirals, diagnostic tools, personal protective equipment, and other nonpharmaceutical treatments.
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Tove Svendson 
Influenza viruses belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae. They are one of the primary causes of morbidity and death and have been implicated in many pandemics and epidemics of respiratory illnesses. Influenza A, B, and C are the three genera of influenza viruses. Viral RNA is composed of several (−ve) sense single-stranded RNA segments. Every segment codes for a unique viral protein with a unique function. While the influenza C virus contains seven RNA segments, the influenza A and B viruses each have eight. The nucleus is where RNA replication normally takes place.
A virus known as avian influenza A may cause avian influenza, often known as bird flu. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and may infect domestic poultry, avian, and mammal species. Although human infections with avian flu are rare, people are often not affected. The H5N1 subtype of the avian influenza virus (AIV) is the most common strain. Although there are other forms of the avian flu virus, H5N1 was the first to infect humans. Long-term persistence of H5N1 is possible. H5N1-infected birds may continue to spread the virus via their saliva and excrement for up to 10 days. From the point of infection, which is often found in outdoor markets where eggs and birds are sold in crowded, unclean conditions, the illness may spread. The main way to get bird flu seems to be via contact with ill birds or surfaces tainted by their droppings, saliva, or feathers. How the illness spreads to humans is yet unknown. It is unusual for humans to transmit bird flu to other people. Nevertheless, diseased birds—not humans—pose the most threat. There are two varieties of avian flu that affect birds: a mild form and a highly contagious form known as the fowl plague. AIV is further divided into two subtypes: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Scientists have genetically modified H5N1 to increase its infectiousness in order to better comprehend the virus's potential for pandemics. But concerns over its possible use as a biological warfare weapon were raised by the prospect that it may be transmitted to humans.
Through the worldwide traffic in live poultry, as well as migratory birds, the illness is readily spread from one location to another. Workers at slaughterhouses and poultry farms who come into close contact with ill birds have a significant risk of contracting an infection. Numerous HPAI cases have been recorded globally this year (Fig. (Fig.1a).1a). Even though there have been a few isolated cases of person-to-person transmission since 1997, continuous transmission has not been observed. However, two viral subtypes, such as the human influenza virus and the avian flu virus (H5N1), may combine portions of their gene pools to generate new viral subtypes after a rapid evolution and mutation known as antigenic shift. Most people either show no symptoms at all or have mild upper respiratory symptoms, such as headache, chills, muscular pains, high-grade fever, anorexia, and dry cough, which manifest after an 18–72-hour incubation period. It is a self-limiting illness that cannot be distinguished from illnesses brought on by other pathogens of the upper respiratory tract. Patients with underlying chronic heart, kidney, lung, or liver illness, any disorders affecting the central nervous system, and those with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are considered high-risk groups.
Nearly 60% of those infected have died from AIV H5N1, which was first identified in humans in Hong Kong in 1997, according to the WHO. during 800 individuals contracted H5N1 between 2003 and 2016, resulting in a fatality rate over 50% during a 13-year period. Most H5N1 infections and fatalities in humans occurred in Egypt, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
A human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) was recently reported from Hong Kong, China in October 2022 (Fig. (Fig.1b).1b). Two human instances were previously recorded, one from the United States of America in April 2022 and one from Spain in September 2022. Two poultry workers on a single farm in Spain were infected on September 20, after an epidemic among chickens. These people were found to have acquired the virus by coming into contact with contaminated poultry and its surroundings. At the time of the epidemic, no signs of person-to-person transmission were found5. A human case of avian influenza A virus was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on April 29, 2022, in Colorado State, USA. After being kept apart and given antivirals, the patient made a full recovery.
Read Also : Do I Need An External Flash For Outdoor Photography?A lady of reproductive age from Qinzhou, Guangxi, who worked closely with domestic poultry on the Chinese mainland, began to exhibit symptoms on September 22 and passed away on October 18 from pneumonia. 54 H5N1 human cases—including 32 fatalities—have been reported in Mainland China since 2005. This event, which occurred in the year 2022, is the first recorded worldwide mortality from avian influenza and the fourth instance in humans. Since 2003, the Western Pacific Region has reported 240 instances of the human avian influenza A (H5N1) virus, with a 56% case fatality rate as of November 2022. 865 cases from 21 countries were recorded globally between October 5, 2022, and the case fatality rate was 53%.
Avian influenza is being actively monitored by the WHO, China's Department of Health, the Centre for Health Protection, and others. instances, and the public was advised to practice stringent personal hygiene and environmental conservation at home and while out and about. It was advised to everyone visiting the Mainland not to visit farms or wet markets that sold chicken. A strong alert was also sent out to those who kept chickens in their backyards. It was recommended that locals buy chicken carefully, either live or recently butchered, and refrain from handling the birds or their droppings.
If symptoms appear, travelers returning from the disease-affected region were advised to see a medical expert for a timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Travel history or history of close contact with live poultry, which exposes one to a contaminated environment, had to be disclosed. For the prompt isolation, diagnosis, and treatment of any possible case, all of these measures were vital. During the epidemic, a public alert was issued about the handling of chickens. The advice advised against purchasing live chickens and handling them, said that eggs should be boiled through and that they should be properly cleaned if contaminated with feces. Eating raw eggs or combining any sauce with them is not recommended. It was recommended to wash your hands well before touching your mouth, nose, or eyes, handling food or eating anything, touching public utilities like escalators, elevator panels, door knobs, or handles, or when your hands were contaminated by coughing or sneezing9. Avoiding exposure sources is the greatest defense against infection; infected birds excrete the bird flu virus in their feces, mucus, and saliva. At all costs, one should avoid close, extended, and unprotected contact with diseased birds.
Global monitoring is required to identify and monitor genetic and epidemiological changes associated with new or circulating influenza viruses that may impact humans and poultry, since these viruses are always changing and developing into distinct strains. An extensive epidemiologic examination should be conducted if there is any indication that a new influenza virus with pandemic potential is causing cases in humans. Travel to the impacted region and a history of animal and avian exposure should be considered.
Workers who sample ill birds, dispose of infected birds and eggs, and clean polluted environments should get training on how to properly utilize personal protective equipment when avian influenza cases are common in the region. After their final interaction with the chickens or their surroundings, all of these individuals should be monitored closely at nearby medical institutions for at least one week. Visitors should observe good food hygiene procedures. According to the International Health Regulations, State Parties to the International Health Regulations are obligated to swiftly inform WHO of any confirmed case of influenza A virus having the potential to produce a pandemic5. Notification of any human illnesses caused by a new influenza subtype is mandatory.
The globe is at danger of an epidemic since there have been several reports of HPAI worldwide and because there is now a human case that has been fatalized by H5N1. If there is an influenza pandemic, it will exacerbate the strain on public healthcare systems and vital community services already experienced by the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic and the monkeypox epidemic. Planning and responding to outbreaks fundamentally involves surveillance and monitoring, as well as the development of novel vaccines, antivirals, diagnostic tools, personal protective equipment, and other nonpharmaceutical treatments.