In view of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert on the outbreak of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in the Americas, Dominican Salubrists Association Expresses High ConcernSince highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as avian influenza or avian plague, is an acute viral disease caused by a type A RNA virus belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family, infection with highly pathogenic to birds.
He warned that whenever the bird flu virus spreads among poultry, Risk of sporadic infection in humans Due to exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments.
The main risk factors for human infection with avian influenza viruses appear to be direct or indirect contact with infected, diseased or dead poultry, or contaminated environments such as live poultry markets.
Dr. Rafael Ramos Rincón explained that slaughtering, plucking, handling of carcasses, and preparations for eating infected poultry, especially in a domestic setting, can also be risk factors. There is currently no data to suggest that A(H5), A(H7N9), or other avian influenza viruses can be transmitted to humans through meat or eggs. Cooked poultry.
Some human cases of influenza A(H5N1) infection have been linked to consumption of dishes made from raw blood of contaminated birds. To date, no human-to-human transmission of avian influenza A(H5N8), A(H5N2), or A(H5N1) viruses has been reported in the Americas or globally.
Controlling the spread of avian influenza viruses in poultry is critical to reducing the risk of human infection. Given the persistence of A(H5) and A(H7N9) viruses in some poultry populations, control efforts require long-term commitment from countries and close coordination between public health and animal health authorities.Animal disease control is the first step in reducing human risk.
Given the detection of human infection, early notification is critical for investigation and appropriate action, including isolation and early treatment of cases, active search for other cases related to the focal point, and identification of close contacts. Contacts for appropriate management and monitoring.
Countries where bird flu has been detected
Countries with avian influenza outbreaks as of 9 Epidemiological Week (EW) 2023, Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, United States of America, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay United States and An outbreak of highly pathogenic influenza A(H5N1) virus has been detected in poultry, poultry farms and/or wild birds, and mammals in Venezuela.
Since the introduction of avian influenza A(H5N1) in the Americas in 2014, to date, two human infections caused by avian influenza A(H5N1) have been reported: the first in the United States on April 29, 2022, and the second Reported in the United States on April 29, 2022. The second is in Ecuador, notified on January 9, 2023.
In the Dominican Republic, the first case of low pathogenic avian influenza occurred in cockfighting in 2007. After ten (10) years of epidemiological silence, the virus emerged in October 2017, affecting birds that were producing edible eggs at the time.
Subsequently, in 2018 and 2019, new cases of low pathogenicity avian influenza emerged in broiler chickens, free-range chickens and broiler breeders.
suggestion
The professional society recommends enhanced surveillance of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and influenza syndrome (ILS) to detect virological, epidemiological, and clinical changes associated with circulating influenza viruses that may affect human health.
Strengthen animal and human respiratory disease surveillance, investigation of all zoonotic infections, and pandemic influenza preparedness.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment and other protective measures to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases among these operators.
Strengthen and implement multidisciplinary and intersectoral engagement of animal health agencies and national veterinary authorities in the control and prevention of animal diseases, including influenza.
Multi-departmental cooperation maintains animal health and people’s health, implements bird flu prevention measures from the source, and formulates animal epidemic detection, notification, and rapid response plans.
Implementing a comprehensive monitoring program that includes both wild and domestic birds, whether backyard or commercial, is critical.
Early and transparent communication with the population and the issuance of clear messages about the behaviors and precautions that communities should take are critical to reducing transmission.
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