Bird Flu: Rising Asymptomatic Cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza Worrying, Say Experts

According to the latest study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asymptomatic cases of H5N1 avian influenza are on a significant rise across the world. The research says the actual numbers of those affected by bird flu could be exponentially higher.

The study, which tested 150 veterinarians for the H5N1 antibodies, concluded that three of them were infected by the virus previously but remained asymptomatic.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) infections have primarily been associated with poultry. The discovery of infections in cattle and related human cases suggests a broader risk of transmission to those working with dairy cattle.

According to experts, this has raised concern among health officials, who fear that the infection could be spreading undetected.

The CDC's study, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, was based on antibody testing conducted at a veterinary conference. For the research, veterinarians practiced across 46 US states and Canada. Of the 150 participants, 25 worked with cows who were known or suspected to have bird flu, and three tested positive for antibodies to H5N1.

None of the three veterinarians who tested positive had reported any symptoms. One of them had been in contact with poultry, but none had been exposed to sick cows in the areas that had reported outbreaks. One veterinarian who worked exclusively in states that had not reported any bird flu cases, including Georgia and South Carolina, was among those who tested positive.

Bird flu is a viral infection that spreads in birds, cows, and other animals. It can sometimes spread to people—in humans, the H5 subtypes of influenza A are the most common cause. It leads to mild to severe respiratory symptoms and pink eye.

Mostly, those involved in work with poultry, waterfowl, and dairy cows are most at risk.

However, experts fear that the most concerning strain, H5N1, can rapidly spread through infected birds' saliva, mucus, and fecWhile human infections remain rare, recent cases among poultry and dairy workers in the US have raised worries.

The H5 bird flu strain has led to many outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows across the United States. The CDC says it is closely monitoring the situation and working with states to track cases among people with animal exposures. Although the current public health risk remains low, surveillance efforts are in place to detect any significant developments.

A few symptoms of bird flu include:

• Pink eye or conjunctivitis
• High fever
• Fatigue
• Coughs and colds
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Breathlessness

According to doctors, these symptoms can be mild or severe. Most recent cases of bird flu in the US have caused pink eye and mild respiratory symptoms.

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