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Bird Flu Fears Grow As Experts Sound Alarm Over Pandemic Risk

A positive bird flu test sparks renewed fears of a global outbreak. Credit : StanislavSukhin, Shutterstock

Health experts across the globe are raising the alarm over bird flu once again, warning that the virus is changing fast and edging closer to sparking a new pandemic.

It comes as the H5N1 strain continues to wreak havoc on farms in the United States, jumping from birds to cattle — and, worryingly, to people.

Nearly 1,000 dairy herds have been caught up in the outbreak so far, with more than 70 human cases recorded, including the first known fatality. Across the Atlantic, the UK has also seen seven human cases since 2021, and scientists are keeping a close watch after a Yorkshire farm reported the world's first case of bird flu in sheep earlier this year.

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The message from virus experts is clear: stay alert, understand the symptoms, and be prepared.

Bird flu mutation accelerates: Why experts are deeply concerned

It's not just the number of cases that's worrying scientists — it's what's happening inside them. A group of leading specialists from the Global Virus Network (GVN) recently warned that the virus is 'trying very hard' to make the leap to humans in a much bigger way.

Dr Marc Johnson, a virologist at the University of Missouri, put it bluntly on social media: bird flu is 'getting a lot of opportunities' to cause serious trouble.

In the United States, authorities declared a state of emergency in California after the virus was detected in hundreds of dairy herds. Genetic tests on the first fatal human case suggested the virus had mutated inside the patient, possibly making the illness far more aggressive.

The man, who was over 65 and already had underlying health issues, had been in close contact with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock. His tragic death serves as a stark reminder of what's at stake if the virus gains ground.

Meanwhile, Canadian health officials are dealing with another troubling case — a teenager hospitalised and placed on a ventilator after catching bird flu, with no clear link to infected animals.

Bird flu symptoms: Early warning signs you shouldn't ignore

If bird flu does start to spread more easily between people, early recognition will be crucial. The symptoms often look very similar to ordinary flu, which can make spotting it tricky.

Early signs include a cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, muscle aches, and feeling extremely tired. Some people also experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

However, in more serious cases, it can lead to pneumonia, dangerously high fevers above 37.7°C (100°F), and the need for urgent hospital care.

Public health experts stress that you can't confirm bird flu based on symptoms alone — laboratory tests are needed. Doctors usually take swabs from the nose, throat or eyes, ideally within the first few days of illness, when the virus is easier to detect. In severe cases, samples from deep inside the lungs may also be needed.

If you're unlucky enough to catch it but start to recover, it can sometimes become harder for tests to pick up the virus — so timing matters.

Bird flu pandemic threat: What experts are saying

The good news, for now, is that the overall risk to the general public remains low, according to British health experts. But that doesn't mean we can afford to be complacent.

Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious diseases specialist from the University of East Anglia, says the main concern is whether the virus will evolve further. If it does, and starts spreading easily from person to person, we could find ourselves staring down the barrel of another global health crisis.

Bird flu pandemic risk: Why experts warn it can't be ruled out

For the moment, eating poultry or game birds isn't a major concern, as proper cooking kills the virus. Instead, the real danger lies in coming into direct contact with infected animals, or surfaces contaminated by them. The virus typically enters the body through the eyes, nose, mouth, or by being inhaled.

Health officials are calling for urgent action to educate the public, improve surveillance, and invest in measures that could stop bird flu before it spirals out of control.

Because if there's one thing Covid taught us, it's that being a step ahead can make all the difference.

The Virus Hiding In Your Garage That Can Kill You In Weeks

A mysterious illness with flu-like symptoms claimed the life of Betsy Arakawa, wife of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, earlier this year. The 65-year-old had reportedly been researching breathing techniques and flu symptoms shortly before her death at their Santa Fe home. When investigators examined the property, they discovered something chilling — rodent droppings and nests around the property.

The culprit? A silent killer called hantavirus that most Americans have never heard of but should absolutely be aware of.

The invisible threat that's been lurking for decades

Hantavirus isn't new, but it periodically captures public attention when cases make headlines. This respiratory virus primarily spreads through contact with infected rodents — particularly the innocent-looking deer mouse that inhabits rural areas west of the Mississippi River.

What makes hantavirus particularly terrifying is its ability to hide in plain sight. Unlike diseases that announce themselves with dramatic symptoms, hantavirus often masquerades as a common flu in its early stages. By the time it reveals its true nature, developing into the potentially fatal hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), it might already be too late.

Think about it — how many times have you dismissed a fever or body aches as just another bug going around? For the unfortunate few who encounter hantavirus, that seemingly innocent flu could be something far more sinister.

How this killer virus sneaks into your body

The most unsettling aspect of hantavirus is how easily it can infect you without direct contact with a rodent. Most people contract it simply by breathing in virus particles that become airborne when rodent droppings, urine, or nesting materials are disturbed.

Imagine cleaning out your garage, attic, or that long-neglected storage shed. You stir up some dust, maybe sneeze a few times, and think nothing of it. If infected rodents have been present, you might have just inhaled microscopic viral particles that could prove deadly.

While rodent bites can also transmit the virus, they're much less common. The real danger lies in those invisible particles floating in the air after you've disturbed an area where infected rodents have left their mark.

The deceptive symptoms that mask a deadly progression

What makes hantavirus particularly dangerous is its ability to mimic common illnesses. The initial symptoms typically appear one to eight weeks after exposure — a timeframe so wide that many people never connect their illness to a specific exposure event.

The virus begins its attack with fever, fatigue, and muscle aches that feel remarkably similar to the flu. You might experience chills that leave you shivering under blankets one moment and sweating the next. Headaches pound at your temples, and dizziness makes even simple tasks challenging.

Many victims also struggle with gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, further reinforcing the impression that they're dealing with a typical stomach bug or flu.

For some lucky individuals, the symptoms resolve on their own. But for others, the virus launches a second, more deadly phase as it targets the lungs. Breathing becomes labored as fluid begins flooding the lungs. Chest tightness and coughing develop as the body fights a losing battle against the virus.

This respiratory phase can progress with frightening speed, sometimes leading to respiratory failure and death within days. The CDC's statistics are sobering — approximately 40% of people who develop HPS don't survive, making it one of the most lethal viral infections you've probably never worried about.

Why most people don't need to panic

Despite its deadly potential, hantavirus remains exceptionally rare in the United States. Between 1993 and 2022, health authorities documented just 834 cases nationwide — fewer than 30 cases per year across the entire country.

Geography plays a crucial role in your risk level. About 94% of all cases occur west of the Mississippi River, with states like New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California seeing the majority of infections.

The common house mouse, which frequently invades urban homes, doesn't carry hantavirus. The primary culprit is the deer mouse, which prefers rural settings and wild areas. This explains why city dwellers rarely encounter the virus, while those in rural areas face higher risks.

Your lifestyle and activities also determine your risk level. People who clean out long-abandoned buildings, explore caves, camp in wilderness areas, or work outdoors in regions with deer mice populations face the highest exposure risks.

Protecting yourself from an invisible enemy

Preventing hantavirus infection starts with keeping rodents out of your living spaces. Even if you live in a high-risk area, simple precautions can dramatically reduce your chances of exposure.

Make your home an unwelcoming environment for rodents by sealing entry points around doors, windows, and utility lines. Even a hole the size of a dime can provide access to mice. Remove potential food sources by storing grains and pet food in sealed containers and keeping your kitchen meticulously clean.

Eliminate possible nesting sites around your property. That means clearing brush, woodpiles, and junk from around your home's foundation and keeping grass short. Inside, reduce clutter where rodents might hide, especially in basements, attics, and storage areas.

If you do encounter rodent evidence in your home, approach cleanup with extreme caution. The CDC recommends a specific protocol that might seem excessive but could save your life.

First, ventilate the space by opening windows and doors for at least 30 minutes before you start cleaning. This allows airborne particles to dissipate somewhat. Never sweep or vacuum droppings, as this can launch virus particles into the air.

Instead, don a pair of rubber gloves and a high-quality face mask — ideally an N95 respirator if you have one. Thoroughly spray the area with disinfectant or a bleach solution made by mixing one part bleach with nine parts water. Let it soak for five minutes before wiping up with paper towels.

Seal the cleaning materials in plastic bags before disposal, and thoroughly wash your hands afterward. These steps might seem paranoid, but they reflect the seriousness of the risk.

When to sound the alarm

If you develop flu-like symptoms within eight weeks of potential rodent exposure, don't wait to see if they resolve on their own. Seek medical attention immediately and be sure to mention any possible contact with rodents or their habitats.

Early medical intervention can significantly improve your chances of survival if you have contracted hantavirus. While there's no specific antiviral treatment approved for HPS, supportive care in an intensive care setting can help your body fight the infection.

Some studies have investigated the antiviral drug Ribavirin as a potential treatment, but results remain inconclusive. For now, the best approach is aggressive supportive care, including oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation if necessary.

The reality check we all need

While hantavirus deserves respect and caution, perspective is important. You're far more likely to be harmed by influenza, COVID-19, or even a car accident than by hantavirus. However, the high fatality rate makes it a threat worth understanding and avoiding.

The tragic death of Betsy Arakawa serves as a sobering reminder that even rare threats can have devastating consequences. By understanding how hantavirus spreads and taking appropriate precautions, you can protect yourself and your family from this uncommon but deadly virus.

Remember that awareness is your best defense. Simply knowing that rodent droppings aren't just unsightly but potentially deadly can prompt the caution needed to avoid exposure. In the case of hantavirus, what you don't know really can hurt you.

Residents Urged To Get Flu Vaccine As Season Starts

Residents are urged to get vaccinated against the flu, as South Africa's influenza season officially begins.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases said the flu season arrived earlier than expected, starting in the week of March 24.

Spokesperson Vuyo Sabani said the flu season started four weeks earlier than last year and this is its earliest start since 2010, based on pneumonia surveillance in public hospitals.

"This early start doesn't mean that this year's flu season will be more severe than in previous years, but it does mean that now is the time to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the flu vaccine," he said.

Sabani said the seasonal influenza vaccine is available at public health clinics and through private healthcare providers, including general practitioners and pharmacies.

"Although the vaccine is most effective when given before the season starts, it is not too late to get vaccinated," Sabani explained.

"Protection develops about two weeks after vaccination, and annual vaccination is needed as flu viruses change over time and protection does not last from one year to the next."

He said that for most people, flu symptoms are mild and resolve in a few days.

"But for some, influenza can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation or even death."

Those most at risk include:

– Pregnant women

– People living with HIV

– Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, tuberculosis, kidney disease, or obesity– Older adults (65 years and older)

– Children younger than two years

"These groups are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and to seek medical care early if they develop flu symptoms," Sabani said.

In addition, healthcare workers are also encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their patients who may be at increased risk of having severe influenza illness should they be infected.

He said the National Department of Health provides free influenza vaccination to:

– healthcare workers,-the elderly (people aged 65 years and older),-individuals with two cardiovascular diseases (including chronic heart disease, hypertension or stroke),– people suffering from diabetes, chronic lung disease (including asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),– people with immunosuppressive conditions (living with HIV/Aids or malignancy),– pregnant women.

To reduce the spread of flu in your community, remember to:

– Wash your hands often.– Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.– Stay home if you are feeling unwell.– If your symptoms worsen or don't improve within 3–7 days, seek medical attention.

Sabani said clinicians are urged to consider influenza when diagnosing patients with respiratory illness this season.

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