AP free of human bird flu cases, says health commissioner

Vijayawada: Commissioner (medical & health) G Veerapandian on Friday clarified that no human cases of Avian Influenza (bird flu) were reported in Chittoor, Annamayya, or any other district in the state. He said 54 samples collected from individuals and tested at SVIMS laboratory, Tirupati, returned negative, dismissing rumours on social media about a youth in Chittoor being infected. The suspected individual's sample also tested negative.In an official release, Veerapandian said the department was implementing comprehensive precautionary measures to prevent potential transmission from poultry to humans in affected areas."Oseltamivir tablets were distributed to poultry farm workers as a preventive measure. In addition, N95 masks and sanitisers were supplied to frontline personnel working in vulnerable zones," he said.Medical teams have been tasked with intensified surveillance, including regular field-level monitoring and health data collection from families in affected villages to detect symptomatic cases. Special isolation beds were kept ready in hospitals at Chittoor and Madanapalle as a precaution.Under the supervision of district collectors, officials from revenue, panchayati raj, medical and health, police, and other departments are jointly monitoring the situation. A central team from New Delhi also visited the districts to assess conditions and provide technical guidance. Virtual review meetings are being conducted with district health authorities to strengthen surveillance and preparedness.The commissioner reiterated that bird flu primarily affects birds and assured that properly cooked chicken and eggs are safe for consumption when food safety guidelines are followed.