How safe is your chicken

The Virus

Mutated, much-deadlier form of H5N1. Mortality rate almost 100%

The Worry

The strain could combine with human virus strains, and produce a virulent form transmissible on human-to-human contact. If that happens, warns WHO, it will be an epidemic far worse than SARS, as this virus spreads faster, kills more Symptoms Similar to other influenza viruses, typically fever, body ache, sore throat, cough, respiratory problems. Conjunctivitis in some patients

Who’s at risk

Those in the poultry business, or in close contact with diseased chickens or their droppings. Housing estates in proximity to chicken stalls. Retail outlets where chickens are slaughtered. No reports of spreading through human contact yet

Vaccine

None for humans. WHO is developing one, but it may take a long time

What’s safe…

Influenza viruses are destroyed by heat. As precaution, consumers should ensure that all foods from poultry, including eggs, are thoroughly cooked

What’s not… Half-boiled eggs for children, raw meat

The outbreak Bird flu confirmed in chickens in South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Pakistan. Eight people (mostly children) have died so far.

What the govt’s doing
WHO recommends culling of H5N1 infected or exposed poultry to prevent the virus from spreading or mutating. The Government has alerted animal husbandry departments of all states, asked them to identify ill chicken. An expert committee comprising Health, National Institute of Communicable Diseases, WHO officials set up.