Question: On 6th January 2021 , Government of India has released advisory on the outbreak of which of the following virus in four states?
a) Swine Flu
b) Bird flu
c) Nipah Virus
d) none of the above
Answer: b)
Context
- The Centre has issued advisory on 6th January stating that Avian Influenza, or the bird flu outbreak, had so far been reported at 12 epicentres across four states — Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
Facts
- Himanchal Pradesh has reported death of migratory birds, Kerala has reported death of ducks, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have also reported bird deaths due to avian flu.
- Avian influenza or bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Influenza Type A viruses. H5N8 or bird flu is subtype of Influenza Type A viruses.
- The current bird flu outbreak comes few months after India on September 30, 2020, declared the country free from the disease.
- The first outbreak of Avian Influenza was notified in India in 2006.
- H5N8 presents only a low risk to humans, it is highly lethal to wild birds and poultry.
- H5N8 presents only a low risk to humans, it is highly lethal to wild birds and poultry.
- Though risk to humans because of infections with A(H5) viruses are rare and low and generally occur in individuals exposed to sick or dead infected birds (or their environments), they can lead to severe illness or death in humans.
By – Kameshwar Shukla
Reference: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bird-flu-india-rajasthan-kerala-7135498/