Overview

The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 strain has been affecting cattle and humans, raising concerns about potential widespread transmission. In Kerala, the virus has been reported in multiple districts, causing fears of an outbreak.

How Dangerous is H5N1?

• Historical Impact: Since its emergence in 1996, H5N1 has led to the mass killing of billions of birds and has spread to 26 mammalian species, including cattle.
• Human Infection: Recent reports from the U.S. indicate human infections in dairy farm workers.
• Potential for Pandemic: Although current adaptations limit human-to-human transmission, the virus’s rapid evolution and wide spread increase the risk of a future pandemic.

Risk to Humans

• Transmission: Primarily spreads from birds/animals to humans with close contact and inadequate protection.
• Infection Statistics: Between 2003 and April 2024, around 900 human infections were reported across 23 countries, with over half resulting in fatalities.
• High-Risk Areas: Districts where humans, waterfowl, poultry, and cattle coexist, like Alappuzha, have higher infection opportunities.

Symptoms of H5N1

• Common Symptoms: Respiratory difficulties, fever, cough, sore throat, pneumonia, and conjunctivitis.
• Detection: The CDC advises clinicians to consider H5N1 in patients with respiratory illness or conjunctivitis with exposure to livestock or dead birds.

Current Strategies in Kerala

• Containment Measures: Mass culling of birds within infection zones.
• Surveillance: Testing environmental samples and influenza-like illness human samples in surveillance zones.
• Precautions: Mask-wearing for people with livestock and prescribing antiviral Tamiflu in H5N1 positive areas.

Necessary Precautions

• Exposure Avoidance: Avoid unprotected contact with infected birds or animals.
• Symptom Monitoring: Watch for respiratory illness or conjunctivitis for 10 days after exposure.
• Safe Consumption: Use pasteurized milk and cook poultry products thoroughly to prevent food-borne transmission.

One Health Approach

• Concept: Emphasizes a coordinated response to zoonotic diseases.
• Implementation in Kerala: Integrated into the World Bank-aided ‘Rebuild Kerala’ project in four districts, establishing a community-based surveillance network with trained volunteers to report unusual events or deaths of animals/birds for early intervention.