Is bird flu infecting humans? How would we know?
Even with bird flu circulating in Australia, the risk to humans is low. But some groups are still at increased risk.
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a strain of flu virus that primarily affects birds. The current strain of concern, H5N1, has been circulating globally since 2020 and has resulted in the deaths of millions of birds and other species, including dairy cows and marine mammals. In Australia, the first cases of H5N1 influenza were reported in June, initially in migratory birds and then in local wild birds.
While no humans in Australia have been diagnosed with the currently circulating strain, there have been seven cases globally, with two deaths.
Humans can catch bird flu through close contact with infected birds, but the virus does not currently spread between humans. The risk of a significant human pandemic is currently low. Most human infections result from close contact with infected animals, and the highest risk groups in Australia are wildlife carers, veterinary staff, and those managing sick or dead birds.
Symptoms are typically mild, including a runny nose, cough, and fever, and sometimes nausea and diarrhea. Conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," is one symptom associated with bird flu that is not commonly seen in seasonal flu. However, more serious disease can develop in rare cases, particularly with other H5N1 strains.
Standard flu tests can detect bird flu, but they do not distinguish between seasonal flu and bird flu. To detect bird flu, doctors must inform the lab of the suspected infection. People with confirmed bird flu should be monitored and follow the directions of their local public health unit. The Australian Centre for Disease Control assesses the risk to humans as low, despite more 2.3.4.4b circulating in recent weeks.
Precautions for those working with birds include using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and washing hands regularly. A regular seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for people at risk, not to protect against bird flu but to prevent co-infection with both seasonal and bird flu viruses. If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, avoid touching them, record your location and what you see, and report to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
