Bird flu can spread indirectly

H5N1 virus can cling to the ground, or mix in poultry manure, thereby spreading indirectly through humans. It is confirmed in the report published on 16-1 by the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to Reuters, the WHO team reviewed 350 cases of H5N1 infections in 14 countries (217 people were killed), and found 25% of cases had no explanation for the cause of infection. " Spread from environment to human is possible," the report said.

At a poultry market in India.Recently, tens of thousands of poultry in the eastern state of Bengal died of H5N1 - (Photo: AFP)

The researchers identified H5N1 as being able to survive in liquids from poultry bodies or in poultry waste on the ground, spread to humans through the nose and mouth. According to the report, it is still unclear whether the H5N1 infection could begin from the intestinal tract. However, in some cases infected people, diarrhea appears before respiratory symptoms, and H5N1 virus exists in the stool.

However, the report also emphasized the main cause of bird flu infection is still direct contact with infected poultry. The ability to spread from person to person occurs only in a very narrow range, between relatives who regularly interact with each other.

The WHO team also said that poultry incubation periods usually last about 7 days, and in many cases may be only 2-5 days. Meanwhile, the incubation period spreads from person to person for 3-5 days. Victims of regular bird flu die within 9-10 days if they are not treated early.

HIEU TRUNG