Why in the News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the death of a Mexican resident due to bird flu, marking the first confirmed case of human infection with the H5N2 variant.
- This H5N2 strain is different from another bird flu variety-H5N1 which infected people in America recently.

What is Avian Influenza A (H5N2)?

Avian Influenza A (H5N2) is a subtype of the influenza A virus that primarily circulates among birds but can infect humans under certain circumstances.
Human infections typically result from direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, showcasing the zoonotic nature of the virus.

Infection of H5N2 may cause mild to severe upper respiratory tract infections and can be fatal.
Conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis and encephalopathy have also been reported.

Laboratory Diagnosis: The identification of avian influenza in humans necessitates laboratory testing to confirm the presence of the virus.
WHO Guidance: The World Health Organization periodically updates technical protocols, such as RT-PCR methods, to enhance the detection of zoonotic influenza.
Treatment Strategies: Antiviral medications, notably neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir and zanamivir, demonstrate efficacy in reducing viral replication duration and improving survival prospects for afflicted individuals.

The alphanumeric codes of H and N are used to subdivide the viruses according to what kinds of proteins are on the surface of the virus based on 2 types:

There are 18 known HA subtypes and 11 known NA subtypes.
In birds, 16 HA and 9 NA subtypes have been identified. (Two additional subtypes, H17N10 and H18N11, have been identified in bats.)
Many different combinations of HA and NA proteins are possible.
For example, an “A(H7N2) virus” designates an influenza A virus subtype that has an HA 7 protein and an NA 2 protein.
Similarly, an “A(H5N1)” virus has an HA 5 protein and an NA 1 protein.

[2015] H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news concerning which one of the following diseases?

(a) AIDS

(b) Bird flu

(d) Swine flu