H5N1
H5N1
H5N1 (/ˈeɪtʃ faɪv ɛn wʌn/), also known as Avian Influenza or Bird Flu, is a subtype of the Influenza A virus that can cause illness in humans and many other animal species.
Etymology
The term "H5N1" is derived from the subtypes of two major proteins found on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The numbers 5 and 1 refer to the specific forms of these two proteins that define the unique properties of this particular strain.
Description
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. It is deadly to most birds. And it is deadly to humans and to other mammals that catch the virus from birds. Since the first human case in 1997, H5N1 has killed nearly 60% of the people who have been infected.
Symptoms
In humans, the symptoms of H5N1 infection range from typical flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections and pneumonia.
Transmission
H5N1 is primarily spread by direct contact between healthy birds and infected birds, and through indirect contact with contaminated environments. It can also be transmitted to humans who have close contact with infected birds or their droppings.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention strategies for H5N1 include vaccinations for poultry, improved hygiene at live poultry markets, and public education campaigns. Treatment typically involves antiviral medications, such as Oseltamivir, which can reduce the severity of the disease if taken early in the infection.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on H5N1
- Wikipedia's article - H5N1
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