What Is Avian Influenza Virus? Its symptoms and Preventions:

Avian influenza, known as bird flu, is a viral infection primarily affecting birds. However, certain virus subtypes such as H5N1 can infect humans, leading to severe respiratory illnesses.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday (June 5) confirmed the death of a 59-year-old man in Mexico caused by a strain of bird flu called H5N2, which was never recorded in humans before.

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However, H5N1, a subtype of avian influenza virus, has caused several human infections and fatalities.

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But, the recent case in Mexico is particularly concerning because the victim had no known exposure to infected animals.

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Earlier, this virus used to infect only those humans who had direct contact with poultry.

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It indicates a potential shift in the virus's ability to infect humans without direct contact.

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Symptoms of avian influenza virus in humans include fever, sore throat, cough, eye inflammation, and severe, acute respiratory diseases.

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Prevention includes avoiding contact with sick or dead birds, keeping hands clean, cooking food thoroughly, and avoiding areas where poultry may be slaughtered.

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