Source: DTE
Context: California has declared a state of emergency due to the widespread outbreak of the H5N1 avian flu, significantly impacting its dairy industry and resulting in human infections.
About H5N1 Bird Flu:
- What it is: A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza caused by the influenza A(H5N1) virus, affecting birds and occasionally humans.
- Types: Includes subtypes like A(H5N1) and A(H7N9), based on proteins on the virus surface.
- Symptoms:
- Mild: Pink eye, cough, sore throat, fatigue.
- Severe Fever, shortness of breath, nausea, diarrhea, and respiratory complications.
- Spread: Humans contract it through contact with infected animal fluids (saliva, feces, milk). Rarely spreads human-to-human.
- Zoonotic nature: It is zoonotic in nature can jump from animals to humans but is not easily transmissible between humans.
- Treatment:
- Antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
- Supportive care for respiratory symptoms.
- Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected animals and proper cooking of poultry products.
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