Key Highlights :
A woman has died from the H3N8 bird flu in China, according to a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO). This marks the first known human fatality from the avian influenza strain. The woman, aged 49 and from Jiangsu province in eastern China, contracted the virus from a chicken she was handling. The WHO has said it is not yet clear how the woman became infected with the virus.
The H3N8 strain of the virus has been circulating since 2002 after first emerging in North American waterfowl. It is known to infect horses, dogs and seals, but had not been detected in humans before two prior non-fatal cases emerged - both in China - in April and May last year. The virus has killed more than 200 people in poultry in China since March.
The Chinese government has put in place a number of measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including a nationwide ban on live poultry trading and a requirement for all poultry to be vaccinated against the virus. The WHO has said that the H3N8 strain of the virus is milder than other strains and is not as deadly as the H5N1 virus.
Despite this, the WHO has warned that the H3N8 virus could become a serious global health threat if it spreads to humans. The virus is highly contagious and can easily spread from birds to humans. The WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said, "The H3N8 virus is a new and emerging poultry disease that has caused severe outbreaks in many countries. It is important that countries take all necessary measures to prevent its spread and that people are vaccinated against it."
The woman's death highlights the need for continued vigilance in preventing the spread of avian influenza strains. While H3N8 may not be as deadly as other strains, it is still a cause for concern as it can cause severe illness in both poultry and humans. Governments and individuals must remain alert to the threat of avian influenza and take appropriate measures to prevent its spread.
In conclusion, the death of a woman from the H3N8 bird flu in China is a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by avian influenza. While this strain may be milder than other strains, it is still a cause for concern and could become a serious global health threat if it spreads to humans. Governments and individuals must remain vigilant and take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The WHO is closely monitoring the situation and providing support to the Chinese authorities, and it is important that people stay informed about the latest developments in this ongoing public health issue.