First Human Death From H3N8 Bird Flu In China: Symptoms And Prevention

Add as a preferred source on Google

The first human death from H3N8 bird flu has been reported in China. WHO said in a statement, "The patient was a 56-year-old female from Guangdong province with an onset of illness on 22 February 2023. She was hospitalised for severe pneumonia on 3 March 2023 and subsequently died on 16 March 2023."

WHO further added, "The patient had multiple underlying conditions. She had a history of exposure to live poultry before the onset of the disease, and a history of wild bird presence around her home. No close contacts of the case developed an infection or symptoms of illness at the time of reporting."

H3N8 Bird Flu In China: What You Should Know

What Is H3N8 Bird Flu?

According to WHO, the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China notified WHO on 27 March 2023 that one human case of avian influenza A(H3N8) had been confirmed. Currently, this is the third reported case of human infection with an avian influenza A(H3N8) virus; all three cases have been reported from China [1].

The H3N8 bird flu is a highly contagious virus that affects many species of birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys. It is spread through contact with an infected bird or its droppings, and can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects.

What Are The Symptoms Of H3N8?

Common symptoms of the H3N8 virus include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing [2].

In addition to these general symptoms, the virus can also cause a variety of respiratory signs, including a dry cough, increased respiratory rate, and increased effort in breathing. The virus can also cause a variety of non-respiratory signs, such as swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the legs, and abdominal pain.

In cases of severe infection, the virus can cause pneumonia, as well as inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis).

H3N8 Prevention Tips

As the world continues to grapple with the emergence of H3N8, it is important to understand the ways in which you can prevent the spread of this virus. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and protect others from the H3N8 virus [3][4]:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

4. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

6. Stay home when you are sick and avoid contact with others.

7. Wear a face mask when around others who may be sick.

By following these steps, you can help reduce the spread of the H3N8 virus and protect yourself and others from potential harm. It is also important to stay informed about the latest developments in H3N8 prevention and treatment.

Where Did H3N8 Come From?

H3N8 viruses were first detected in wild birds in the 1960s and have since been detected in other species of animals as well. China has detected occasional cases of avian influenza H3N8 among poultry and some of these viruses are genetically close to the human cases reported in 2022 [5].