A tragic case has been reported in Andhra Pradesh, where a 2-year-old girl from Baliah Nagar, Narasaopet, Palnadu district has died after contracting H5N1 bird flu. This marks what appears to be the first human infection and fatality from the disease in India since at least 2021. The child succumbed to the illness on March 16, while receiving treatment at AIIMS-Mangalagiri.
Timeline of Events and Source of Infection
Health officials investigating the case traced the likely source of the infection to a small piece of raw chicken the child had consumed on February 26. Family members reported that the child occasionally ate raw chicken, a practice that significantly increases the risk of transmission. On February 28, the child developed fever and other symptoms, which led to her admission to a local hospital. However, her condition worsened, and she was transferred to AIIMS-Mangalagiri on March 4, where she continued to battle severe fever, breathing difficulties, and diarrhoea.
Investigation and Health Response
Following the child’s death, the National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirmed on March 24 that the child had indeed contracted bird flu. No other human cases have been reported in the area, and the child’s family members, including her parents, tested negative for the virus. This suggests that the infection did not spread between humans, and there have been no recorded cases of human-to-human transmission of bird flu.
Dr. T. Damodar Naidu, Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, confirmed that extensive surveillance around Palnadu and nearby districts revealed no symptoms of bird flu among poultry, and physical checks at poultry farms showed no signs of infection.
Health officials have stressed the importance of thoroughly cooking poultry to prevent transmission, noting that the bird flu virus does not survive at temperatures above 60-70 degrees Celsius.
Public Health Measures and Surveillance
The Andhra Pradesh health department has deployed rapid response teams to conduct fever surveys in the affected locality and surrounding areas. No abnormal cases have been detected so far, and surveillance will continue for the next two weeks with further testing for any suspected cases. The Union Ministry of Health has also sent a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to assist with the investigation and support the state’s response to the case.
Public Health Advisory: Health officials have urged people to report any unusual bird deaths and seek immediate medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms after handling poultry. The advice also includes practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.
Global Concerns and H5N1’s Evolution
The H5N1 virus, which was first detected in 1996, has long been a source of concern due to its high mortality rate (around 50% in documented cases). While human infections remain rare, experts have been increasingly concerned about the virus’s evolution, especially its ability to adapt and spread across different species.
In 2022, a new H5N1 subtype was identified in North America, which spread to domestic poultry and even wild mammals. Recent concerns have arisen due to the virus’s adaptive capabilities, as it has now been documented to infect dairy cows, further raising alarms about its potential to evolve into a more widespread health threat.
Health Recommendations
Given the current situation, health experts continue to advise the public to take preventive measures, including thoroughly cooking poultry and eggs, avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds, and practicing good hygiene, especially after handling raw poultry products.
Conclusion
This case of bird flu (H5N1) in Andhra Pradesh has raised significant health concerns, but officials assure the public that human-to-human transmission remains unlikely. The authorities are continuing their surveillance efforts to monitor the situation and ensure no further infections occur. It is crucial for the public to follow health guidelines and report any suspected cases to prevent further spread.
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