How many strains of avian influenza are there?

Bird flu is caused by a type of influenza virus that rarely infects humans. More than a dozen types of bird flu have been identified, including the two strains that have most recently infected humans — H5N1 and H7N9. When bird flu does strike humans, it can be deadly.

What is the mortality rate of highly pathogenic avian influenza?

The extraordinarily high mortality rate of avian influenza (>60% for H5N1; approximately 30% for H7N9) is worrying and reasonably accurate. There have been very few instances of seropositive individuals without clinical signs of infection.

Where is the highest number of avian flu infections?

Indonesia, Vietnam and Egypt have reported the highest number of human HPAI Asian H5N1 cases to date.

When was the last outbreak of avian influenza?

The last outbreak in poultry related to the first epidemic season of HPAI was confirmed on 5 June 2020. Only three wild birds were found infected with HPAI during the first half of 2020 (in Germany and Poland). The virus involved was the same as the one detected in the poultry farms.

What happens if you eat chicken with bird flu?

Consuming properly cooked poultry or eggs from infected birds doesn’t transmit the bird flu, but eggs should never be served runny. Meat is considered safe if it has been cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF (73.9ºC).

What percentage of the population died from bird flu?

As of 2008, the official World Health Organization estimate for the case-fatality rate for the outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza was approximately 60%.

Who are the most prone to bird flu according to the doctor?

In some cases, bird flu can cause serious complications and death. As with seasonal flu, some people are at higher risk for serious illness. They include pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and adults 65 and older.

Can avian flu pass to humans?

Bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans. There are lots of different strains of bird flu virus. Most of them don’t infect humans.