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Pls God no: First human case of new bird influenza reported in China

AS

by Alex Stefanovic

Image: Letterboxd

Image: Letterboxd

AS

by Alex Stefanovic

Global paranoia strikes again as China announces first known human case of the ‘H10N3’ bird flu while authorities claim transmission is low.

A 41-year-old-man in Jiangsu, Eastern China, has been infected with bird flu, H10N3, after feeling “feverish“. The man was hospitalised on April 28 with his diagnosis coming through a month later, on May 28.

The nature of how the man became infected remains unknown. Although, it can be assumed his occupation involves “prolonged close contact with birds“, due to case histories regarding humans infected by avian viruses.

bird flu china H10N3 birds
Image: Fox News

Chinese authorities claim that no other cases arose within the man’s close contacts and that the likelihood of the influenza spreading is extremely low.

However, this statement is yet to ease the minds of others, who appear reluctant to trust any information leaving China, particularly following the unfathomable impact of the covid-19 pandemic:

Professor Raina Macintyre, head of the Biosecurity program at the Kirby Institute in NSW, Australia, mentioned the importance of remaining cautious despite the low risk of dissemination.

This was particularly due to the knowledge that avian viruses can become dangerous if they mingle with human viruses:

β€œIf someone has human flu and is infected with bird flu, the two viruses can swap genetic material,” Macintyre said.

She went on to mention that there are concerns over the occurrence of pandemic flu’s in countries where human and livestock contact are privy.

raina macintyre birds influenza H10N3 china bird flu human influenza
Image: ABC

According to the World Health Organisation (W.H.O), H10N3 has been detected in birds at live bird markets since 2002, but was unlikely to “kill birds” or jeopardise their health.

Despite the low impact of avian influenza on birds, it can be detrimental to humans.

During China’s winter, between 2016-2017, the case of the H7H9 virus almost killed 300 people. According to W.H.O, the cases involving human-to-human spread were rare.

However, the legitimacy of this statement seems questionable, considering the increased chances of the common cold in winter. Couple this with a case of bird flu and crowds of people coughing and sneezing – human-to-human contact would have majorly facilitated the spread of the H7H9 virus, right?

So what situation does that leave us with in the wake of the H10N3 virus?

Since receiving hospital treatment, the man is now in a stable condition and is said to be discharged soon.

Could more cases of H10N3 instil a Hitchcock-like fear towards birds in the near future?

via GIPHY

Only time will tell *squeals with anticipation*.

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