New cases are emerging frequently, and the travel industry is starting to worry

Looking ahead to the next summer, bird flu has the tourism industry very worried. It spreads faster than other years, which is why it can have bad consequences. In Mar del Plata alone, 10% of sea lions died, according to data obtained by Red43. Viedma has also taken precautionary measures, planning to limit access to the spa. As far as Red43 knows and reports, the province of Chubut will develop an agreement to visit Punta Tombo, where the penguins will start arriving soon.The season officially begins next Saturday (September 16)

Madelin also has concerns. “I don’t know what’s going to happen to us. We just recovered from the coronavirus pandemic and we’re starting to recover. Hopefully it will stop as soon as possible,” the tour provider said at a conference held a few days ago. Madeleine has several colonies of sea lions (by far the worst affected species), as well as some privately exploited penguins. First, the biggest problem is that migratory birds can carry the virus from one place to another. There are concerns this could affect summer tourism in coastal areas.

Since mid-August, in Tierra del Fuego, Santa Cruz, Chubut, Rionegro and Mar del Plata, Necochea, Monte Hermoso, Gesse in Buenos Aires Some 200 sea lions have been found dead in towns such as Villa delle and Colonel Rosales. According to the outlet, new cases have just been detected in the provinces of Chubut and Santa Cruz.

Influenza or bird flu does not pose a significant risk to humans, at least so far, however, Occasionally affects, Therefore, in light of the first outbreak in Argentina, health authorities and medical associations issued information and disseminated care measures, especially for more exposed populations.

Most influenza viruses that circulate in birds are not zoonotic (meaning they do not spread from animals to humans). “However, some strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza Ability to infect humans

pose a threat to public health,” the agencies warned.

According to reports, over the past 20 years (from 2003 to November 2022) 868 human cases The number of flu infections and 457 deaths worldwide.

In the American continent, the virus was first detected in poultry and wild birds. about 10 years agoheld in North America in December 2014.

Since then and until the beginning of this year, outbreaks of avian influenza have been detected in poultry, poultry farms and/or wild birds in 10 countries in the region. The virus was first detected in Argentina a few weeks ago.

Severe symptoms are often seen in humans infected with the virus, but this is uncommon. But as long as the bird flu virus is circulating among birds, there is a risk of bird flu infection. Human cases occur sporadically.

Regional health authorities noted that so far two cases of human infection have been confirmed among residents of the region: one in the United States (April 2022) and the second in Ecuador last January.

Although influenza or avian influenza “occasionally affects contacts,” the “risk of transmission to humans still considered low“, the statement of the Argentine health department emphasized.

Although rare, when infected bird secretions (such as feces) are inhaled by a person or the virus comes into contact with Mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or eyes. Similar to Hantavirus.

Therefore, persons considered exposed are those who have had direct contact with infected animals (live or dead) or their contaminated environment without adequate protection.

GC