After a 2024 outbreak of bird flu in the United States affected one person, a case of bird flu caused by the H9N2 virus was discovered in a four-year-old child in the West Bengal region of India. The child was reported to have severe respiratory problems, high fever and abdominal cramps and was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a local hospital. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, the patient was discharged three months after diagnosis and treatment. This is the second time after 2019 that bird flu has infected humans in India.

What is the H5N2 virus?

Avian influenza or bird flu refers to a disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu). This flu is highly contagious and deadly to both domestic and wild birds. Avian influenza A viruses infecting birds have evolved into distinct genetic lineages based on geographic lineages, including H5N. Hemagglutinin, or H, which the virus needs to infect cells, and neuraminidase, or N, which helps the virus spread, are two types of surface proteins used to classify viruses. It belongs to the H5 family of bird flu viruses that mostly affect wild birds. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention It states that there are nine different H5 virus subtypes.

Bird flu continues to rise

Other types of avian influenza are circulating, including H5N1. Earlier in June 2024, the Union Government of India had issued an advisory to States and Union Territories (UT) to look out for any unusual cases of H5N1 or Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) among people or deaths of animals or poultry. The affected states are Andhra Pradesh (Nellore district), Maharashtra (Nagpur district), Jharkhand (Ranchi district) and Kerala (Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts).

The United States (US) has also reported an outbreak of bird flu, raising public concerns and panic. As cases of avian influenza are on the rise, health experts have warned people to be alert, cautious and take appropriate measures to fight the deadly infection.

Can H5N2 infection spread to humans?

A type of viral infection, bird flu or avian influenza infects birds but also affects humans. The H5N2 virus usually spreads between animals, but a report says it can also affect humans World Health Organization (WHO), the main cause of infections in humans is believed to be direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. These infections can cause mild to severe symptoms that affect your respiratory system and can be fatal. Patients may experience symptoms such as conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalopathy (a group of conditions that cause brain dysfunction) and encephalitis (inflammation of brain tissue).

Also Read: Is it safe to consume milk, eggs and other animal products during a bird flu outbreak?

Symptoms of H5N2 Bird Flu in Humans

Here are some signs and symptoms of bird flu:

• high fever
• headache
• cough
• shakes
• muscle pain
• shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• runny nose
• sore throat

In some cases symptoms may worsen, including:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Respiratory distress or failure
• Pneumonia
• Bleeding in the nose and gums
• Conjunctivitis and ink eye
• Pain in the chest
• Changes in behavior and thinking
• Seizures (in severe cases)

How is H5N2 bird flu treated?

H5N2 bird flu, like other strains of avian influenza, is mainly managed by some preventative measures to help fight the infection. Here are some ways to help:

1. Antiviral drugs

Medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. These drugs prevent the virus from replicating, helping you to reduce the severity. In addition, your healthcare provider may give you cough suppressants and other medications to help manage respiratory symptoms.

2. Stay hydrated

Doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluids to help the body recover from any type of flu, including H5N2. Hydration helps prevent dehydration, which can lead to complications.

3. Practice good hygiene

Good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with infected people or birds, is essential to prevent the spread of the virus.

4. Get vaccinated

Vaccination is a key preventive measure for avian influenza. While effectiveness may vary against specific strains, such as H5N2, vaccination against infection is preferable. Make sure you connect with your healthcare provider to get the right vaccine.

5. Get plenty of rest

You need enough rest to help your body recover from any type of flu, including the H5N2 virus. Getting enough rest allows the body to use up its energy to fight the infection.

It is imperative to consult your healthcare provider as treatment protocols may vary from person to person. It can be determined according to the severity of the disease.