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| Bird Flu Symptoms Wild birds are known to be the carriers of the bird flu virus. But did you know that these wild migratory birds remain unaffected by the virus? The domesticated birds –the chickens, turkeys, and ducks are actually the ones that succumb to the virus. Bird flu symptoms in domesticated poultry may be ruffled feathers, swollen head, diarrhea, decrease in egg production and breathing difficulties. It is important to know these symptoms as humans who interact with infected domesticated birds are susceptible to bird flu. It was believed that bird flu virus do not infect humans. However, in 1997 this belief was proven wrong when it was discovered that the virus can affect humans after all. 239 cases of bird flu in humans were confirmed by the World Health Organization. Moreover, a total of 149 deaths worldwide were blamed on bird flu symptoms. Symptoms of bird flu in humans are: • Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath • Fever that is higher than 100°F/38°C • Cough that is similar to the regular flu symptoms. • Diarrhea and abdominal pain • Sore throat • Vomiting • Bleeding of gums and nose • Muscle aches and pains • Conjunctivitis • Pneumonia The government is concerned by the bird flu virus’ ability to infect humans. Because of “species jumping” the highly pathogenic bird flu virus can combine with the human flu virus and develop into a new virus that could result into a flu pandemic. This means that the new strain of virus can rapidly spread worldwide and result to extensive loss of life. Bird flu is a serious disease as it has a high mortality rate. There is a very slim chance of recovery once a person is infected with the bird flu virus. In severe cases, this disease is reported to evolve fast and can snuff the life of an infected human in 48 hours. It is therefore necessary to be aware of the bird flu symptoms as this is the only way by which humans can effectively fight this fatal disease. |
List of medical symptoms
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