Toddler Dies of Bird Flu in Andhra! Experts Warn Risks

A two-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh has died after contracting H5N1 bird flu, marking the country’s first confirmed human case and fatality from the virus in four years. The child, a resident of Baliah Nagar in Narasaopet town, Palnadu district, passed away on March 16 while undergoing treatment at AIIMS-Mangalagiri. The Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirmed the infection on March 24, with further verification from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Delhi.

Possible Source of Infection Identified

Health officials discovered the child ate a piece of raw chicken on February 26. Health officials investigating the case found that the child consumed a small piece of raw chicken on February 26. Family members mentioned that she occasionally ate raw chicken, which could have increased her risk of infection. Experts believe this was the most likely source of transmission.

Symptoms and Medical Treatment

The child developed fever and other symptoms on February 28 and was initially admitted to a local hospital. As her condition worsened, with high fever, breathing difficulties, and diarrhea, she was transferred to AIIMS-Mangalagiri on March 4. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, she succumbed to the infection.

No Human-to-Human Transmission Detected

Authorities have confirmed that all close contacts of the child, including her parents and other family members, tested negative for the virus. This suggests that the infection did not spread from human to human. To date, there have been no recorded cases of human-to-human transmission of H5N1 in India.

Government Response and Ongoing Surveillance

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has dispatched a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to Andhra Pradesh to support the state’s investigation and response efforts.
Dr. T. Damodar Naidu, Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, stated that extensive checks of poultry farms in Palnadu and neighboring districts showed no signs of bird flu among poultry. Officials emphasized that thorough cooking of poultry products at temperatures above 60-70 degrees Celsius kills the virus, reducing the risk of infection.
Health teams are actively monitoring the affected locality, conducting fever surveys, and testing any suspected cases. The surveillance will continue for at least two weeks to ensure no further cases emerge.

Bird Flu in India: A Rare Occurrence

H5N1 bird flu primarily spreads through direct contact with infected birds. Since its first detection in China in 1996, the virus has caused nearly 1,000 human infections worldwide. India has reported only a handful of human cases in recent years. The last recorded H5N1 infection in the country was in July 2021 when an 11-year-old boy in Gurugram died while undergoing treatment for leukemia.

Global Concerns Over H5N1 Evolution

Experts worldwide are closely monitoring the H5N1 virus due to its ability to infect new species. In recent years, the virus has spread to various bird and mammal populations, raising concerns about its adaptability. While human cases remain rare, health officials urge the public to take precautions, including cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly and avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.

Conclusion

The Andhra Pradesh health department has advised residents to report any unusual bird deaths and seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms after exposure to birds or poultry. Practicing good hygiene and ensuring proper food safety measures can help reduce the risk of infection.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.