Once again, avian flu is on the agenda and raises the alarm of health authorities in Brazil.
According to some experts, recent cases are cause for concern, as the virus may have mutated since the last time it showed up here.
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Thus, the pathogen can pose a pandemic-level threat if not neutralized.
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The transmission of avian flu between animals is relatively easy to happen. However, from birds to humans is rarer, but from humans to humans is even more unusual.
However, the more animals infected, the greater the chances of the worst case scenario happening.
Currently, Brazil has 13 confirmed cases of illness in six species of wild birds identified in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo.
Fortunately, there are no records of cases of contaminated humans so far.
The Ministry of Health monitors the cases and several specialists warn to control the spread of the virus.
Avian flu, also known as avian influenza or bird flu, is a viral illness caused by strains of the influenza virus that primarily affect birds.
This arbovirus is highly contagious among birds and can cause serious illness and death in domestic and wild birds such as chickens, ducks, turkeys and other birds.
There are different strains of the avian flu virus, the best known being H5N1 and H7N9. These strains can be transmitted to humans, although transmission from birds to humans is relatively rare.
When transmission occurs, it is usually through direct contact with infected birds or surfaces contaminated by their faeces, secretions or body fluids.
Symptoms of the disease in humans can range from similar to the common cold to serious illnesses such as pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In rare cases, bird flu can lead to death.
It is important to highlight that avian flu is not easily transmitted between human beings, and most outbreaks in humans have occurred in people who have had close and prolonged contact with infected birds.
However, due to the potential for viral mutation, scientists are closely monitoring avian flu, as there are concerns about the possibility that a highly pathogenic strain of the virus could spread more easily among humans, resulting in a pandemic.
The prevention of avian influenza involves biosecurity measures in poultry farming, monitoring the health of the birds and adopting adequate practices for personal hygiene and handling of birds.
In case of suspected or confirmed avian influenza infection in humans, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
