The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected influenza A (H5) virus in two poultry workers who had been in contact with infected birds.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected influenza A (H5) virus in two poultry workers who had been in contact with infected birds. Asymptomatic testing programme was introduced for people who came in contact with infected birds but showed no symptoms of avian influenza. The two workers showed no symptoms of the influenza.
Transmission of Avian Influenza to humans occur when the virus gets to the eyes, nose and mouth or through inhalation of the virus. Based on the timing of exposure and the test results, the UKHSA concluded that one of the workers was probably infected through the nose or throat from inhaled contaminated farm particles while the transmission route has not yet been determined for the second person.
No human-to-human transmission of influenza A has been detected in the UK.
The risk of H5N1 virus to human still remains very low. Although the virus has so far caused massive losses in the poultry industry worldwide, the risk level to humans still remains low despite the evolving nature of the virus. The detection of the virus in some mammal species suggest a possible mutation of the virus which could make it spread easily in mammals including humans. However, there is currently no evidence that the virus is a threat to humans though vigilance is required.
In the UK asymptomatic surveillance programme, a poultry worker who is exposed to infected birds is expected to collect nose and throat swab for testing within 10 days of exposure. In some cases, blood samples may be required for detection of antibodies against avian influenza.
ASVEK Science & Tech 