China respiratory illness: Whats the H9N2 avian flu outbreak there all about? – The Indian Express

Ever since the outbreak of a mysterious respiratory illness thats affecting children in northern China, authorities there have been talking about a cocktail of viruses that are breaking out again after pandemic restrictions. One of the viruses in circulation is H9N2, a subtype of the Influenza A virus. It primarily affects birds with a high prevalence in poultry such as chickens and turkeys and can easily jump to humans. It is highly transmissible and while it is known to cause mild illness, sometimes it manifests as a severe infection that can result in complications.

A new study from researchers in China and Nottingham has discovered that a subtype of avian flu virus, endemic in poultry farms in China, is undergoing mutational changes, which could increase the risk of the disease being passed on to humans. Researchers also say that the findings raise concerns of a potential epidemic or pandemic in the making and that concerted research is necessary to closely monitor such viruses in poultry and humans. This has raised some concern given that the coronavirus mutation resulted in a pandemic. However, at the moment there has been no confirmation of a new strain and there is no need to panic.

Some strains do nothing. But when mutations happen, the virus can attack the lungs as well as the heart, liver and kidney and trigger a dysregulated immune response.

So far, the respiratory viral infections in China have been mostly mild and not that fatal. The cases are being controlled. And since they are affecting children more, chances are they will fight it better. Thats because new research by the US-based National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that children who had contracted SARS-CoV-2 had a strong, sustained antibody response to the virus and high levels of inflammatory proteins in the nose but not in the blood.

The infection is self-limiting and similar to any other flu virus, usually accompanied by pink eyes. The other symptoms include high fever, cough, sore throat, body and muscle aches, nausea, diarrhoea and a runny nose. Severe respiratory symptoms and conditions include shortness of breath, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. In extreme cases, there might be seizures and septic shock.

Like all flu viruses, you should get tested after the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. A nasal and throat swab test helps in diagnosis.

Treatment is largely symptomatic with antivirals. Those with more severe symptoms may need nebulisation and steroids. Keep yourself well-hydrated, so drink plenty of fluids, take rest and wash your hands often, taking care not to pass on any germs. Do not self-medicate.

Those who have been near a poultry farm and have had contact with infected live or dead infected birds. Infected birds usually shed the virus in their saliva, faeces and mucus. The most vulnerable groups of people are pregnant women, those with co-morbidities and the elderly.

As the virus is present in droplets or dust, please wear a mask. Do not touch your face or nose cavity with your hands, which could be infected if you have touched somebody infected already. Go for properly processed poultry or meats but avoid eating anything that has raw poultry or blood. Avoid crowded places, especially farms and open markets, while travelling to other countries. For starters, we should resume airport screening for people coming in from affected countries.

The Indian Express Pvt Ltd

First published on: 30-11-2023 at 10:58 IST

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China respiratory illness: Whats the H9N2 avian flu outbreak there all about? - The Indian Express