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Bird Flu
What is Avian Influenza (bird flu)?
Symptoms
Avian Influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird)
influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally
among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in
their intestines but usually do not get sick from them.
However, avian influenza is extremely contagious among
birds and can make some domesticated birds, including
chickens, ducks and turkeys, very sick and even
kill them.
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged
from typical human influenza-like symptoms (fever,
cough, sore-throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections,
pneumonia, severe respitory diseases (such as acute
respiratory distress syndrome), and other severe and
life-threatening complications. The symptoms of avian
influenza may depend on which specific virus subtype
and strain.
Can humans be infected?
Preparations for an outbreak
Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but there
have been more than 100 confirmed cases of human
infection with bird flu viruses since 1997. The World
Health Organization maintains situation updates and
cumulative reports regarding human cases of avian
influenza. Visit their website for current updates and
additional information.
Concerns about the possibility of an avian influenza
pandemic have prompted international and national
efforts to institute pandemic preparedness measures.
We are working with the Centers for Disease Control,
The World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services and many others to
develop a plan which provides funding for early
detection, containment, and treatment of an outbreak.
Scientists and researchers are working around the
clock to develop a vaccine which is effective against an
avian influenza virus outbreak and our government has
pledged the money to make the vaccine available to all
those in need.
How are people infected?
Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have
resulted from direct or close contact with infected
poultry (e.g., domesticated chickens, ducks and
turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with secretions and
excretions from infected birds. The spread of avian
influenza from ill person to another person has been
reported very rarely and transmission has not been
observed to continue beyond one person.
Are there any risks by eating poultry?
There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or
eggs can be a source for avian influenza viruses.
Implications to human health?
There are two main risks for human health from avian
influenza.
• The risk of direct infection when the virus passes
from the infected bird to humans.
•
The risk that the virus—if given enough
opportunities—will change into a form that is
highly infectious for humans and spreads easily
from person to person.
Seasonal influenza vaccine
No. Influenza vaccine for the 2005-2006 seasons does
not provide protection against avian influenza.
TO FIND OUT MORE
For more information about the avian influenza
and prevention
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
(800) CDC-INFO
www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm
World Health Organization
www.who.int/en/
UK HealthCare is UK Hospital, Kentucky Children’s Hospital,
Kentucky Clinics, Markey Cancer Center, Gill Heart Institute,
Kentucky Neuroscience & Orthopaedics Institute, and the
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Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Public Health and Nursing.
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