H5N2 Bird Flu: Human Case Confirmed, WHO Says Risk Remains Low

What is H5N2 Bird Flu?

H5N2 is a subtype of the species Influenzavirus A avian influenza virus or bird flu virus. The subtype infects a wide variety of birds, including chickens.

Human Case Confirmed

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the first lab-confirmed human case of H5N2 bird flu. The person, who lived in Cambodia, died from the infection.

Risk to Humans

The H5N2 strain has never before been found in a human, health agencies say. However, they stress that the risk of the virus spreading to humans is low.

Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans

Symptoms of bird flu in humans can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. In some cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death.

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to prevent bird flu, including:

• Avoiding contact with sick birds or their droppings
• Cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly
• Washing your hands frequently
• Getting vaccinated against the flu

Treatment

There are a number of antiviral medications that can be used to treat bird flu in humans. These medications are most effective when they are started early in the course of the infection.