WHO confirms second human infection with bird flu

• UN body, Lagos list measures to halt virus spread 

 WORRIED about a possible epidemic of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus commonly called bird flu in the country, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Lagos state ministry of health have alerted the public on measures against the virus even as the United Nation (UN) apex health body has confirmed the second laboratory case of human infection with virus.

     Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, yesterday, in the wake of an outbreak of bird flu or avian flu among chickens and other birds in the State called for the need for members of the public to ensure and maintain adequate personal and environmental hygiene at all times as part of measures to halt the spread of the disease.

      Idris in a statement in Lagos yesterday signed by the Assitant Director Press and Public Relations LSMH, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, also advised members of the public to avoid contact with chickens, ducks or other birds, including their feathers, faeces and other wastes in areas where the disease is known to exist.

       He listed other measures that could help halt the spread of the disease to include; washing hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, particularly after touching any poultry, eggs or bird meat and keeping children away from sick or dead poultry and birds.

     Meanwhile, according to a statement from the WHO, the IHR National Focal Point of Canada, on January 27, 2015, notified WHO of one laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. On January 30, 2015 a second individual, travelling to China with the index case, was laboratory confirmed to also have influenza A(H7N9) infection.

     The statement reads: “The two individuals flew from Hong Kong, SAR China to British Columbia, Canada after travelling together through China. During their travels, they were exposed to live poultry, although they had no direct contact with poultry.

    “The index case developed symptoms on 14 January and was seen by a physician on 15 January. Following laboratory-confirmation of influenza A, the case received antiviral therapy for five days. On 26 January, the case tested positive for influenza A(H7N9).

    “The second case, who has underlying comorbidities, developed symptoms on 13 January and was seen on the same day by a physician. On 19 January, the second case received antiviral therapy for five days. On January 29, 2015 the second case was confirmed positive for influenza A(H7N9) virus.

    “Neither individual was hospitalized; both have recovered from their acute respiratory symptoms. They have agreed to self-isolation at home.”

  Idris continued: “Please, avoid slaughtering and cooking of sick or already dead poultry or birds, ensure that poultry products and eggs are thoroughly cooked before eating, ensure rearing of poultry far from dwellings and sleeping areas and make sure cooking surfaces are well clean before and after preparation of poultry products.  

     “The H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus presently circulating among chicken and other birds in the State is very infectious and has caused deaths of millions of chicken and other birds stressing that the strain had previously killed 166 humans in in 11 countries during 2007 outbreak.

      “Avian influenza is spread by direct and indirect contact with sick or dead chicken, eggs, and also through handling and slaughtering of live infected poultry. For now, there is no case of human infection in the State, only loss of chickens and other birds have been reported; human death has however been recorded with this present outbreak in some African countries.” 

     He listed initial symptoms of the disease to include: high body temperature and fever above 37.5Oc, cough, sore throat, runny nose, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chest pain, bleeding from nose and gum, hoarseness of voice and bloody sputum.

     The Commissioner noted that the Ministries of Health and Agriculture are currently working together to stop the spread of the flu amongst birds and prevent the transmission to humans.

      Idris advice the general public to be vigilant and report any person; dead or alive with a history of having been in direct or indirect contact with dead poultry or confirmed case of the disease to the health and agric departments of the nearest local government area office, or to the Directorate of Disease Control in the State Ministry of Health adding that poultry farmers should report high death rates among poultry to the Ministry of Agriculture.

      “Health workers are advised to be on the alert and report suspected or probable cases with history of contacts with poultry. They are also enjoined to use personal protective equipment when in contact with such cases,” Idris said.