What is avian influenza (bird flu)?
Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These
flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses
in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird
flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including
chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.
Why is it known as H5N1?
Influenza viruses can be broken down into 3 types, A, B and C. Influenza A
viruses (of which bird flu is one) are the most serious. On the surface of
each virus are two types of protein - Hemagglutinin and an enzyme called Neuraminidase.
The particular type of Hemagglutinin in this strain of bird flu is type 5
(of 16 known subtypes), and the Neuraminidase is type 1 (of 9 subtypes) which
gives us H5N1.
The function of the Hemagglutinin (the bit that looks like a spiky carrot in the picture right) is to stick to the cells in the respiratory system so that the Neuraminidase (looks like a blue lollipop) can go to work and release the virus and infect cells.
Do bird flu viruses infect humans?
An increasing number of cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have
occurred since 1997.The current outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1) among
poultry in Asia is an example of a bird flu outbreak that has caused human
infections and deaths. In such situations, people should avoid contact with
infected birds or contaminated surfaces, and should be careful when handling
and cooking poultry.
How fatal is bird flu?
"The United States is unprepared for a global flu pandemic, according to a draft of a federal report, which predicts a worst-case scenario that could lead to the deaths of 1.9 million Americans and the hospitalization of 8.5 million more people with costs exceeding $450 billion." |
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical flu-like symptoms
(fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia,
severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress), and other
severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms of bird flu may depend
on which virus caused the infection.
How does bird flu spread?
Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.
Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated
excretions or surfaces that are contaminated with excretions. It is believed
that most cases of bird flu infection in humans have resulted from contact
with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.
How quickly does bird flu spread?
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Because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned
that the H5N1 virus could soon be able to infect humans and spread easily
from one person to another. Because these viruses do not commonly infect humans,
there is little or no immune protection against them in the human population.
If the H5N1 virus were able to infect people and spread easily from person
to person, an “influenza pandemic” (worldwide outbreak of disease)
could begin. No one can predict when a pandemic might occur. However, experts
from around the world are watching the H5N1 situation in Asia very closely
and are preparing for the possibility that the virus may begin to spread more
easily and widely from person to person.
How do pandemics start?
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How does EnviroCair® help?
Two products can help counter the spread of Avian Influenza - EnviroCair®
air diffuser units and EnviroCair®-AV.
EnviroCair® units in the home or workplace will eradicate airborne
viruses such as avian influenza. The risk of catching such diseases can be
greatly reduced with EnviroCair®.
The EnviroCair® unit continuously dispenses a measured amount of a biocide into the atmosphere. The air in an average-sized room will be free from viruses, bacteria and fungi within a matter of a few hours. As the molecules of EnviroCair® fall onto surfaces, static or surface-borne pathogens will also be eradicated.
EnviroCair®-AV is for commercial use - click here for details
To order, or for further information, please go to the contact page.
Bird flu Links
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