H5N1 Bird Flu: What You Need to Know

What is H5N1?

H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that causes bird flu. It is primarily a bird disease, but it can also infect humans and other animals.

How does the H5N1 virus spread to people?

People can become infected with H5N1 from contact with infected birds or their secretions. This can occur through contact with:

• Poultry or poultry products
• Wild birds
• Contaminated surfaces

Why is there concern about influenza H5N1 virus?

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic virus that can cause severe illness and death in both birds and humans. There is concern about the potential for H5N1 to cause a global pandemic.

Since 1997, there have been over 600 cases of H5N1 infection in humans, resulting in approximately 60 deaths. The majority of these cases have occurred in Asia.

In recent years, H5N1 has become more widespread in birds and has caused outbreaks in poultry and other animals in many countries around the world. This has increased the risk of human exposure to the virus.