Avian Influenza Virus : Outbreak
There has been an outbreak of human cases of the avian influenza virus (H9N2) and clusters of respiratory illnesses in children in northern China.
- Avian Influenza virus (H9N2) is a subtype of influenza, a virus that causes human influenza as well as bird flu.
- This virus is found worldwide in wild birds and is endemic to poultry in many areas.
- Poultry is considered a genetic incubator for the origin of the H9N2 novel avian influenza virus that infects humans
- Infections range from mild, flu-like symptoms or eye inflammation to severe, acute respiratory disease or death.
- The severity of the disease depends on the virus causing the infection and the characteristics of the infected individual.
- Maintaining personal and hand hygiene, including washing hands with soap, before and after contact with animals is essential to avoid being infected by the virus.
