Daily Current Affairs : 2-April-2024
H5N1 is an extreme subtype of the influenza A virus that causes a severe respiratory disorder known as avian influenza or “bird flu.” This virus primarily affects birds but can also infect some mammals. Since its emergence in 1996, H5N1 has advanced into a particularly pathogenic strain, becoming a tremendous challenge for global health.
Classification of H5N1
H5N1 is classified based on its surface proteins:
- Hemagglutinin (H): There are 18 different H subtypes.
- Neuraminidase (N): There are 11 different N subtypes.
For instance, the well-known strains include A(H1N1) and A(H3N2). H5N1 stands out due to its high infectivity and mortality rates in birds and its occasional impact on humans.
Human Cases of H5N1
Human infections from H5N1 are rare and generally arise through close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Although the virus has a high mortality rate of approximately 60% among infected individuals, it does not spread easily from person to person. This limited human-to-human transmission reduces the probability of an epidemic but still raises serious health issues.
Origins and Spread
The H5N1 strain that is currently causing problems originated from an outbreak in China in 1996. The strain began spreading in Europe around 2020 and has since affected birds in over 80 countries, reaching Antarctica in 2024. Factors contributing to its spread include:
- Climate Change: Altered bird behaviors due to changing climates may help the virus spread more easily.
Impact on Wildlife and Poultry
The effects of H5N1 have been devastating:
- Millions of poultry and wild birds have died.
- Endangered species, including the California condor, have faced significant losses.
- The virus has also infected various mammalian species, including marine mammals like sea lions and dolphins, leading to high mortality rates.
Important Points:
Definition: H5N1 is a severe subtype of the influenza A virus causing avian influenza or “bird flu.”
Primary Hosts: Primarily affects birds, but can also infect some mammals.
Pathogenicity: Emerged in 1996 and has evolved into a highly pathogenic strain.
Classification:
- Hemagglutinin (H): 18 different subtypes.
- Neuraminidase (N): 11 different subtypes.
Human Cases:
- Rare infections occur through close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
- High mortality rate of about 60% in infected individuals.
- Limited human-to-human transmission reduces pandemic risk.
Origins:
- The current strain originated from an outbreak in China in 1996.
- Spread to Europe in 2020 and affected birds in over 80 countries by 2024.
Spread Factors:
- Climate change alters bird behaviors, facilitating virus spread.
Impact on Wildlife and Poultry:
- Millions of poultry and wild birds have died.
- Significant losses in endangered species, such as the California condor.
- Infection in mammals, including marine species like sea lions and dolphins, leading to high mortality rates.
Why In News
H5N1 bird flu, which has been highly pathogenic since 2020, poses a significant threat to both birds and mammals worldwide. It has infected birds in over 80 countries, leading to mass culling in poultry farms and raising concerns about its potential impact on global biodiversity and food security.
MCQs about H5N1 Bird Flu
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What is H5N1 primarily classified as?
A. A mammalian virus
B. A bacterial infection
C. A subtype of the influenza A virus
D. A fungal disease
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How has climate change contributed to the spread of H5N1?
A. By creating vaccines for the virus
B. By altering bird behaviors
C. By increasing poultry farming
D. By reducing bird populations
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What has been one significant impact of H5N1 on wildlife?
A. Increased global food supply
B. Mass deaths of poultry and wild birds
C. Decreased human infections
D. Complete eradication of the virus
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