Bird flu scare in Tamil Nadu as over 1,000 crows found dead in Chennai, nearby areas: Check avian flu signs, symptoms and how you can stay safe

Tamil Nadu has been put on high alert after 1,500 crows were found dead in Chennai and across several neighbourhoods in recent days and the laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of H5N1 virus, signalling the spread of avian influenza in the region. The Centre has directed the Tamil Nadu administration to strengthen surveillance and disease-control measures following confirmation of bird flu in the wake of the bird flu scare. According to a report in IANS, the sudden death of crows were reported from Adyar, Gandhi Nagar, Pallikaranai, Velachery, Thiruvanmiyur, the East Coast Road, and the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR). This is worrying because recently, bird flu cases were detected in crows in Naugachia in Bihar.

What is bird flu?

Bird flu viruses, particularly H5N1, are naturally found in wild birds and can spill over into domestic poultry and, in rare cases, humans and other mammals. H5N1 is a type of the Influenza A virus, commonly known as bird flu or avian influenza, that primarily infects birds, especially poultry.

While H5N1 mainly affects birds, it can infect humans, usually through close contact with infected birds, their droppings, saliva, or contaminated surfaces. Human-to-human infections are rare, but when infection does occur, it can be severe and may lead to pneumonia or respiratory failure.


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H5N1 signs and symptoms

The reported signs and symptoms of bird flu in humans have varied, according to CDC. Respiratory symptoms and fever were also reported. The possibility of human infections with avian influenza virus that result in severe illness remains and underscores the importance of ongoing prevention and surveillance efforts.

Signs and symptoms of bird flu in people may include:

eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis)

mild fever (temperature of 100ºF [37.8ºC] or greater) or feeling feverish

cough

sore throat

runny or stuffy nose

muscle or body aches

headaches

fatigue

Eye redness has been the predominant symptom among recent US cases of avian influenza A(H5) virus infection.

Less common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

Fever may not always be present

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Signs and symptoms of moderate to severe bird flu

Signs and symptoms of moderate to severe disease from bird flu in people may include:

high fever or other symptoms listed above that limit or prevent usual activity

shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

altered consciousness

seizures

Onset of symptoms: The time from when a person is exposed and infected with avian influenza A(H5) viruses to when respiratory symptoms begin is about three days but can range from about 2 to 7 days. However, eye symptoms such as redness and irritation can occur one to two days after exposure and infection with an avian influenza A(H5) virus.

Tips to prevent bird flu

Wash hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds after any contact with animals, especially birds or farm animals.

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth.

Cook poultry, eggs, and meat to an internal temperature of 74°C; avoid pink juices and runny yolks.

Do not consume raw milk or undercooked foods, including half-cooked eggs.

Ensure good ventilation at home and on farms to reduce airborne transmission.

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Boosting immunity and staying alert

Get the annual flu vaccine to reduce the severity of possible infections.

Eat vitamin C–rich fruits, nuts, and seeds (for zinc), and stay well hydrated.

Use ICMR services and state health apps to track local outbreak alerts.

People living near farms should keep N95 masks handy.

Keep children indoors during farm animal culling operations.

Avoid visiting live poultry markets; buy sealed, labelled products from inspected stores.

What to do if Bird Flu is suspected

Stay at home and wear a protective mask around family members.

Contact the nearest health centre immediately.

Diagnosis is confirmed through an RT-PCR test of nasal/oral swabs.

For mild cases: take bed rest, use paracetamol for fever/pain, drink plenty of fluids, and monitor oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter.

Bird flu scare in Tamil Nadu

Following confirmation of the spread of H5N1 avian influenza, the state's directorate of public health and preventive medicine issued a public health advisory on Thursday. "Transmission from birds to humans is extremely rare, except in cases where people touch carcasses with the live virus in them and then touch body parts such as mouth or eyes. There are not many such cases reported historically and there is no need to panic," director of public health Dr A Somasundaram told TOI.

Residents have been asked to immediately inform authorities about any sudden bird deaths in their locality. People have been strictly warned not to handle dead birds or animals with their bare hands, as this could increase the risk of infection. Authorities have further instructed that carcasses of infected birds, including crows, be safely buried in pits at least eight feet deep to prevent contamination.