Where Was the Case of the First Bird Flu Outbreak
When an illness is passed from animal to human, it is referred to as a "zoonotic" disease. There are approximately one-hundred and fifty known zoonotic diseases, and some of them can be transmitted by the family pet. Still others are spread through contact with infected species that live in the wild. Bird Flu (H5N1) is a zoonotic disease that spreads rapidly amongst birds; killing them in the first forty-eight hours of infection. However, when humans come in contact with bird flu the symptoms vary depending on the virus strain. In some cases, the virus can cause mild symptoms, but in others the symptoms can be life threatening.
What is Bird Flu?
Bird flu is also referred to as "avian influenza" and is a strain of influenza A, which is usually found in birds and animals; but, rarely humans. The subtypes of influenza are vast because they can morph every time there is a protein alteration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that the virus naturally occurs in the intestines of birds, usually not posing a threat. But, some strains can become active and highly contagious; causing massive infection and death to wild birds and any domestic birds that they may come in contact with.
Flashback 1878
In 19th century Italy, chickens were stricken by a mysterious epidemic. The infection was widespread and according to Lysol.com, was referred to as the "fowl plague." The plague was well documented, but not confirmed until years later when scientists were able to trace its roots back to the type A influenza virus. Although there are no earlier recordings of such an outbreak, scientists believe that animal viruses could have caused infections in poultry much earlier in history.
Human Infection
The first case of bird flu to ever cross the lines between birds and humans was in 1918. The outbreak originated in Spain and spread like wildfire across the globe. Today, it is referred to as the "Spanish Flu," but during the time of the outbreak, its origin was unknown. The uncertainty of the infection caused worldwide panic as the numbers of people infected with the virus continued to climb. When all was said and done, and the pandemic ended, National Geographic estimates the carnage to have been between twenty and forty million people. But, it is only recently that scientists have been able to piece together the specifics of the outbreak and associate it with type A influenza, or bird flu.
The Virus Lives On
Documents show that the most recent outbreak occurred in Asia with the infection of eighteen people. Avian Influenza.org reports that the infections were located in Hong Kong, where the bird flu eventually killed six of the eighteen infected humans. As a result, the sale of all chicken products was prohibited, and any live chickens were culled (slaughtered) in order to put an end to the bird flu outbreak.
Can Bird Flu be Stopped?
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations believes that the bird flu can be overcome. It is hypothesized that early detection using surveillance programs can stop the bird flu from spreading. In fact, bird flu is on the rise and there is global concern that the virus can spread from Asia, and into Europe, putting the lives of many at stake. But, if the birds that contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases can be efficiently inoculated, it is thought that viruses such as H5N1 can be wiped out.
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