Symptoms of the bird flu in humans vary depending on the exact subtype which that individual has been infected with. Most people contract the avian influenza from coming into contact with infected birds, "During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds," (CDC 2007). The etiological agents which infect the body are transmitted through fluids and feces.
The most typical subtype is the Avian Influenza A, or the H5N1 virus (CDC 2007). A frightening percentage of more than half of all people who have contracted H5N1 have died. Most cases of contraction between humans falls into the realm of extremely close familial relationships, like between mother and child. However, there are still fears that H5N1 could mutate into a form which could be easier transmitted through human contact. Due to the nature of human infections now, the human immune system has no defense systems against H5N1, which means that it could possible have disastrous affects if an outbreak were to occur.
Before, H5N1 can only be detected through specialized testing. Today, testing is become cheaper and broader. There is now a vaccine which vaccinates one of the two strains of the deadly influenza. However it is in limited supply, and if there is an outbreak, recent legislation has taken control of who gets first dibs on vaccines and ant viruses. The Federal Government has the power to delegate this possible life-saving vaccine in the face of an outbreak.
Bibliography
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Department of Health and Human Services.
Key Facts About Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and Avian Influenza A (H5N1
Virus)." 2007. http://www.cdc.gov
Department of Health and Human Services. "Pandemic Flu." 2007. http://www.pandemicflu.org
Sample Source(s) Used
Bibliography
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Department of Health and Human Services.
Key Facts About Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and Avian Influenza A (H5N1
Virus)." 2007. http://www.cdc.gov
Department of Health and Human Services. "Pandemic Flu." 2007. http://www.pandemicflu.org
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