What is bird flu and why quarantine was introduced in some areas of Moscow

What is bird flu

Avian flu is a type A influenza virus that cause infection mainly in wild waterfowl. Less commonly, poultry and other animals may become infected. But sometimes these viruses mutate and become dangerous to humans. Such, for example, are the strains A(H5N1), A(H7N9) and A(H9N2). Then people begin to get an infection that can be mild or can lead to death.

In the world for a couple of years continues a large outbreak in wild and domestic birds, as well as wild mammals - foxes, minks and bears. There have only been 10 human cases so far, but the virus mutates unpredictable, it must be observed and not allowed to be transmitted to humans.

Therefore, on May 18 in the Southern Administrative District of Moscow introduced quarantine in areas adjacent to the Borisov Pond: sick birds were found there and they are now carrying out preventive measures to prevent people from becoming infected.

The restrictions have little effect on residents: you can’t visit the part of the adjacent territory that is considered a hotbed, as well as import and export birds, hold agricultural fairs and harvest food.

How do people get avian flu?

Avian influenza viruses distribute wild birds that fly long distances. They shed the virus in their feces. And already poultry and other animals interact with them, for example rodents.

Humans usually become infected through close contact with infected birds and animals. At risk are agricultural workers, hunters and poachers who illegally trade in birds and poultry products. The virus enters the respiratory tract with air or from the hands gets into the eyes.

Human to human bird flu transmitted extremely rare and does not cause an outbreak. But viruses can mutate, so epidemiologists are closely monitoring any cases.

What can be dangerous bird flu

Most avian influenza viruses are not harmful to humans. Some are still infect people, but the disease is mild: the temperature rises or conjunctivitis begins. But several types, in particular A (H5N1), A (H5N6) and A (H7N9), cause severe disease. Mortality due to them reaches 50%.

It must be understood that the virus mutates very quickly, so it is difficult to predict what will happen to a person when infected. So it's best to try to avoid it.

How do I know if I have bird flu?

Does anyone have a disease passes asymptomatic. Others show signs of bird flu as early as 3-5 days after exposure. Some of them coincide with the symptoms of any other flu:

• Very heat;
• fever or chills;
• muscle pain;
• headache;
• cough or shortness of breath.

In addition, there may be:

• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• pain in the chest and abdomen;
• nosebleeds;
• bleeding gums;
• conjunctivitis;
• convulsions.

What symptoms should call an ambulance

There are no special signs pay attention to the same symptoms as with other types of flu:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;
• chest pain;
• ongoing dizziness;
• convulsions;
• worsening condition;
• severe weakness or muscle pain.

In children, danger signs are:

• labored breathing;
• blue lips, skin and nails or their staining in gray;
• chest pain;
• dehydration;
• severe muscle pain;
• convulsions;
• worsening condition.

How to treat bird flu

If you do not have the danger signs from the previous paragraph, then if you suspect bird flu, you will be asked to stay at home and start accept antiviral drug based on oseltamivir. It will help reduce the severity of the condition and prevent complications. It may also be given to members of your family to prevent infection.

Other recommendations they do not differ from other SARS: Rest, sleep, drink plenty of fluids, take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs if needed.

How not to get bird flu

The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against bird flu. Eat a special vaccination against bird flu, but it is done only according to epidemic indications to people in the focus of the disease. In addition, in Russia registered vaccine for birds that live in poultry farms and farms.

If you do not normally come into contact with birds, then to avoid contracting avian flu, observe these recommendations:

• wash your hands often with warm water and soap, including before and after contact with food, especially raw poultry;
• use different utensils for cooked and raw meat;
• make sure the meat is fully cooked;
• do not eat raw eggs, especially homemade ones;
• try not to contact birds and their droppings, especially sick or dead birds;
• don't go to bird markets.