Kano, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger states have reported confirmed human cases of Avian Influenza H5N1, also called “Bird flu”.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed this in Abuja
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu who announced this, highlighted the epidemiological situation and response activities to fighting the virus in Nigeria.
Worthy of note is that Avian Influenza has strains of viruses that primarily infect birds and humans.
This type of flu is most often contracted by contact with sick birds, and can also be passed from person to person. It spreads by airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes).
While the symptoms begin within two to eight days which are like the common flu, Cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache and shortness of breath may occur.