Russia reports first case of human infection with H5N8 avian flu virus

Russia
reported its first case of human infection with a strain of bird flu virus named H5N8, which is
passed to humans from birds. The matter has been reported to the World Health Organisation, said Anna Popova, head of Russian Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare on Saturday.

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The outbreak was first observed in December among birds in a poultry farm in southern Russia and was passed on to farm workers. The, strain’s genetic material from workers of the poultry farm had been isolated by Vektor laboratory’s scientists, added Popova.

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The infected workers, however, have not faced any serious health consequences.

Other regions where the outbreak of the H5N8 virus has been reported include Europe, China, the Middle East and North Africa in recent months, however, this highly contagious strain has never been reported before to have passed on to humans in Russia.

Also Read:History of bird flu and how it spreads

According to health experts, the majority of bird flu infection in humans have been due to direct contact with infected poultry, be it live or dead. However, eating properly cooked poultry products is considered to be a safe way to go.