Human infection with bird flu virus feared possible<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
If the latest findings about pigs becoming infected with the
\navian influenza virus proves to be true, there is a possibility
\nthat the virus could later infect humans, a researcher has said.<\/p>\n
Such a finding might mean that the deadly virus has taken a
\nstep closer to infecting humans.<\/p>\n
\"Pigs are known to be mixing vessels that allow a change in
\nthe structure of the virus, from a type that cannot infect humans
\nto one that can,\" National Institute of Sciences (LIPI) molecular
\nvirology researcher Andi Utama said on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Last week, a local newspaper reported that a researcher at
\nAirlangga University had found that the virus, previously known
\nto infect only poultry, had infected pigs.<\/p>\n
According to the World Health Organization, avian influenza is
\nan infectious disease of birds caused by type-A strains of the
\ninfluenza virus. The disease, which was first identified in Italy
\nmore than 100 years ago, now occurs worldwide.<\/p>\n
Avian flu viruses found in Indonesia are of the H5N1 type,
\nsimilar to those found in China, which is known to be infectious
\nonly to certain hosts, in this case poultry.<\/p>\n
A different type of avian flu virus hit Vietnam in 2003 and
\nkilled 46 people -- 33 Vietnamese, 12 Thais and a Cambodian.
\nAlmost every person who has fallen ill with bird flu is known to
\nhave caught the virus from contact with sick birds.<\/p>\n
The infection of pigs by the H5N1 virus is made possible by a
\ncontinuous mutation of the micro-organism, which allows it to
\ninfect intermediate hosts such as pigs or horses, Andi said.<\/p>\n
\"Those most likely to be infected are people working with the
\npigs,\" he said. \"We still need further studies to determine
\nwhether it would then be transferable to humans.\"<\/p>\n
However, in his research paper, Andi stated that the creation
\nof a new virus could happen if a pig was infected with the avian
\nflu and human flu virus at the same time. Although such a newly
\nformed virus has not been found, it could be transferable to
\nhumans.<\/p>\n
He added that one possible precaution against an outbreak of
\nthe virus was vaccination. \"It should be given both to pigs and
\npoultry, as well as to humans,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Currently, the Veterinary Research Agency has only developed
\nvaccines for poultry, as the development of human vaccines was
\nstill difficult.<\/p>\n
Despite the difficulties and lack of research on the
\ndevelopment of avian flu vaccines that could be used on humans,
\nsafeguards could still be taken by minimizing direct contact with
\nanimals that could have been infected.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Health has suggested on its website that
\npeople working on farms should wear masks and be sprayed with
\ndisinfectant before and after entering livestock areas.<\/p>\n
Andi added that consumers of poultry and pigs should not worry
\nabout getting infected. If meat is cooked properly, avian flu
\nviruses will be killed as it cannot survive high temperatures.
\n(003)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/human-infection-with-bird-flu-virus-feared-possible-1447899208",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}