Bird Flu outbreak in Japan: Can it spread to humans? Know all about the signs, risk factors and more

As per latest reports, Japan has identified its first bird flu outbreak for the season. The H5N1 infection case was first detected and confirmed at a poultry farm in the northeast of the country. About 143,000 birds are being exterminated so as to contain the spread of the virus.

While Japanese officials have claimed that there is no possibility of avian influenza being transmitted to humans through the consumption of chicken meat or eggs, the increase in the number of human bird flu cases in China this year has been concerning for many across the globe.

That said, let us find out what bird flu is and whether or not it can be transmitted to humans.

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The avian influenza, most commonly known as bird flu, is a viral infection that predominantly affects birds, but as per recent findings, it can also infect human beings.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the first bird flu infection in humans was detected in 1997 and has killed nearly 60% of those infected. As of now, the H5N1 infection does not spread from a person to person. However, there have been cases where humans have been diagnosed with this life-threatening disease in the past.

Apart from the WHO, UK's National Health Services (NHS) also claims that humans can contract bird flu if and when they come in close proximity with an infected bird, dead or alive. Touching infected birds, dropping, bedding or killing or cooking infected birds can spread the infection to humans, says the health agency. However, eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak of bird flu, cannot lead to bird flu infections.

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When a person is infected with bird flu, he or she is likely to develop flu-like symptoms such as:

- Fever

- Cough

- Muscle aches and joint pain

- Sore throat and a runny nose

- Headache

- Shortness of breath and chest pain

- Diarrhea accompanied with stomach pain

If left untreated, bird flu can also cause severe complications like sepsis, acute respiratory illnesses including pneumonia and organ failures, all of which can be fatal.

Avian influenza has the potential to survive for as long as 10 days. Whether in the feces or the saliva or any other form of excretion, the virus thrives for a long period of time, leaving people vulnerable. That said, here are a few risk factors to consider.

- If you're a poultry farmer, keep a watch on your birds for any signs of sickness.

- Travellers should avoid visiting areas with a bird flu outbreak.

- Someone who eats undercooked poultry or eggs needs to be careful.

Given that bird flu outbreaks occur in selective areas, it is best to avoid such premises. Poultry farmers should be vigilant and extra careful while taking care of their chickens and birds. Washing of hands, wearing masks and gloves are common ways you can stay safe.

Other than that, it is best to get yourself vaccinated with a flu shot, so that you do not contract the human strain of influenza, which if combined with the complications of bird flu could do serious damage.