A man has succumbed to a virus that was previously confined to animals, sparking concerns of a potential disease outbreak. He was swiftly taken to a hospital this month after developing a high fever, which led to confusion and breathing challenges.
Authorities later identified the virus as H5N5, a subtype of bird flu typically carried by ducks, geese, and other wild birds. The Washington State Department of Health disclosed that the man, described as “older” with underlying health issues, kept a mix of domestic poultry in his backyard in Grays Harbour County, in the southwest region of the US. Testing on the birds revealed traces of avian influenza, indicating that the man likely contracted the virus from his own flock at home.
In contrast to H5N5, H5N1, another strain of bird flu in the US, is more prevalent but still considered rare, with a distinct surface protein on the virus. H5N1 has affected wild birds and domestic poultry since 2022, with 71 confirmed human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the US last year.
While most patients exhibit mild symptoms, a fatal case in Louisiana occurred in January. The UK documented 81 cases of bird flu. Confirmed cases have been reported in Cumbria, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Scotland, and Wales.
Although regular flu and bird flu are distinct viruses, they share symptoms such as headache, sore muscles, cough, and high temperature. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
According to the UK Government, individuals infected with bird flu commonly experience red, sore, and discharging eyes. In the UK, seven confirmed infections have occurred since 2021, all among individuals with prolonged exposure to a large number of infected birds.
Dr. Robert Murphy, a professor specializing in infectious diseases and biomedical engineering at Northwestern University, cautioned about the potential for another pandemic, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Despite the misleading name suggesting that bird flu only impacts birds, humans and other animals can also contract the infection. Infected individuals should self-isolate and receive antiviral treatment like Tamiflu and Relenza. Avian symptoms include a swollen head, blue discoloration around the neck and throat, and breathing difficulties. It is advised not to handle sick or dead birds.
In the UK, infected individuals have shown no or only mild symptoms of bird flu. Testing is necessary to differentiate between regular flu and bird flu, with Dr. Murphy warning that the virus is prone to easy and frequent mutations.