A two-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh has died of bird flu, marking a rare human case of the disease in India. The child, who was undergoing treatment at AIIMS-Mangalagiri, passed away on March 15. Subsequent tests conducted by the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus in her system, an official revealed on Wednesday.
2-Year-Old Contracts Bird Flu
Health officials were baffled as the infant was the only member of her household to contract the virus, with no prior reported bird flu cases in Palnadu district. Investigations into the source of the infection are ongoing.
Authorities are exploring the possibility that the child may have contracted the virus through the consumption of raw chicken, reported PTI. Her family admitted that she occasionally ate pieces of uncooked poultry and had done so shortly before developing symptoms. While this remains a strong lead, officials have not yet confirmed it as the definitive cause of infection.
The girl first exhibited symptoms of fever on February 28 and was initially treated at a local hospital. As her condition worsened, she was transferred to AIIMS-Mangalagiri on March 4, where she presented with acute fever, breathing difficulties, and diarrhea.
She lived in Baliah Nagar, Narasaraopet town, with her father, a bank recovery agent, and her mother, a homemaker. Authorities have since tested her family members for the virus, but all results came back negative, as per a report on The Hindustan Times. A precautionary survey in the area also found no additional cases.
What Is Bird Flu?
Bird flu (avian influenza) in humans is a rare but potentially serious infection caused by avian influenza viruses, primarily H5N1, H7N9, and H5N6 strains. These viruses mainly infect birds but can occasionally jump to humans, typically through direct contact with infected poultry, contaminated surfaces, or undercooked poultry products.
ALSO READ: Funeral Of Three Malayalis, Including Children, Killed In Oman Road Accident To Be Held Today
Doonited Affiliated: Syndicate News Hunt
This report has been published as part of an auto-generated syndicated wire feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been modified or edited by Doonited
