Were there any bird flu cases in the United States?

The bird flu also known as avian flu and H5N1 flu is a flu virus that infects birds and sometimes pigs and cats. Wild birds that have bird flu usually show no symptoms but the virus has decimated domestic bird populations in Asia. The virus has been around since 1997 and there have been less than 200 human infections worldwide. Bird flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. It is difficult to differentiate bird flu symptoms from common flu symptoms. There are not many bird flu treatment options other than the vaccine. Some antiviral treatments are being developed.

Bird flu cases United States compared to bird flu cases in Asia shows how effective the United States has been at protecting the country from a potential pandemic. In fact, there has never been any bird flu cases United States side ever. This figure astounds many people due to how much widespread media coverage the bird flu has received. The potential threat is there if the virus was to mutate causing it to spread from human to human more easily. Currently it does not spread effectively from human to human, and the only way to get it is to come into contact with an infected bird. Of the approximately 160 human cases the infection has occurred via human to bird contact.

There are no travel restrictions to countries that have known infections but experts warn people to stay away from areas in the wild with large bird populations as well as poultry farms. It is urged that anyone experiencing bird flu symptoms receive bird flu treatment if they have recently traveled to an infected country. With continued efforts the number of bird flu cases United States side should remain at zero.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.