H5N1, also known as avian influenza or bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but also infect humans. It was first discovered in humans during a poultry outbreak in Hong Kong in 1997. A case of avian influenza, transmitted from cows to humans, has been detected in the United States. The individual exhibited symptoms of conjunctivitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared that the risk of bird flu is minimal but has advised regions to be prepared for rapid testing.

The CDC has mentioned that while the general public faces a low risk, those who have closed, prolonged, and unprotected contact with infected animals are at higher risk.

In recent years, this virus has been found in hundreds of mammal species worldwide. H5N1 bird flu poses a threat to humans, and according to the World Health Organization, over the past 20 years, more than 460 people have died from bird flu. Most infections occur from birds, but scientists have been vigilant for any signs of human-to-human transmission.

This is the second time someone in the United States has been diagnosed with H5N1 bird flu. In 2022, an inmate at a poultry farm in Monterrosa County, Colorado, was infected with the disease while killing infected birds as part of a work program. His symptom was fatigue only, and he recovered later. The CDC states that this virus can cause a range of illnesses, from eye infection and upper respiratory tract diseases to more severe cases such as pneumonia, which resulted in deaths.

What are the symptoms and signs of H5N1 bird flu?

H5N1 bird flu can manifest in various ways and may resemble typical flu symptoms. According to medical reports, the following are symptoms of H5N1 bird flu as below: headache, red eyes or conjunctivitis, cough, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, seizures, pneumonia. Severe cases of bird flu can lead to complications such as respiratory failure and even death. Therefore, if you notice any of these signs, it is important to consult your doctor to prevent complications.