What is avian Influenza, also known as the Bird Flu?

This illness is a type of bird flu, called avian influenza A, caused by the influenza virus subtype H5N1, that has caused infections in birds and in humans. There is a low risk of infection in people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, "Infection with avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry causes two main forms of disease that are distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The “low pathogenic” form may go undetected and usually causes only mild symptoms (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production). However, the highly pathogenic form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease that affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach 90-100% often within 48 hours." [link]

During outbreaks of the avian influenza in birds, there is a risk that humans coming in contact with infected birds may become ill. Symptoms of avian influenza in humans range from:

• typical human influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches)
• eye infections
• pneumonia
• severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress)
• other severe and life-threatening complications
• the symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which virus caused the infection

Medical researchers and the NIH are currently developing a vaccine for humans. [link to article]

“These findings represent an important step forward in the nation’s efforts to prepare for the possible emergence of a human pandemic of H5N1 avian influenza,” notes NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D.