Lethal Bird Flu Case Reported in India

India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an alert on July 21, 2021, confirming the first documented case of bird flu in humans in India. The child was diagnosed in June 2021 at the Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, Delhi. 

Soon after the induction therapy, the 11-year-old boy developed fever, cough, cold, and shortness of breath. AML was diagnosed with febrile neutropenia, pneumonia that progressed to ARDS. He was admitted to AIIMS on July 2, 2021. Unfortunately, several organs of the child stopped functioning, and he died on July 12th.

The Animal Husbandry Department has not found any suspected cases of bird flu in the area, and as a precautionary measure, surveillance has been increased in the 10 km area.

The WHO says Zoonotic influenza refers to diseases caused by animal influenza viruses, such as Bird Flu and Swine Flu. Even though Bird Flu and Swine Flu viruses are found in humans, these animal viruses are distinct from human influenza viruses. 

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) is the disease caused by influenza type A viruses in animals. These viruses occur naturally among birds and domestic poultry. 

The annual 'flu shot' does not prevent Zoonotic influenza infections, says the U.S. CDC. However, vaccines to protect against 2009 H1N1 are available in the USA.

Previous Zoonotic influenza news is published on this webpage.