Influenza A(H5N8) virus First Case Reported

23 February 2021 Current Affairs:Russia said it has found the first case of H5N8 avian influenza in humans. There are different subtypes of avian influenza viruses. Although H5N8 is highly contagious, it is lethal to birds, but it has never been reported to have spread to humans. About Avian influenza (bird flu): ♦ This is a viral infection that can not only infect birds, but also humans and other animals. Most forms of viruses are limited to birds. ♦ This is a highly contagious viral disease that affects several food-producing birds (chicken, turkey, quail, guinea fowl, etc.) as well as pet birds and wild birds. ♦ Sometimes, mammals including humans may be infected with avian influenza. ♦ According to two surface proteins, Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA), Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes. Influenza A(H5N8) virus: According to the Paris-based World Organization for Animal Health, H5N8 avian influenza is a poultry disease caused by the Type "A" influenza virus, which can affect several types of poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowls, ducks, pet birds, wild migratory birds and waterfowl.