India reports first H5N1 death since 2021: 2-year-old girl dies in Andhra Pradesh

A 2 year-old girl from Narasaraopet town in Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh has died due to the H5N1 bird flu virus. Health officials have told the media that the child had eaten chunks of raw chicken on February 26, which is the likely source of infection.


Initially treated at a local hospital, after seeing her condition getting worse, she was transferred to AIIMS, Mangalagiri. Her symptoms worsened with time, on March 4, and as per reports she had acute fever, breathing difficulties and diarrhoea. Apart from the child, other family members including the parents all tested negative, suggesting that the virus is not transferable. Prior research suggests that no other case of human-to-human transmission has been recorded in the case of bird flu.




Status of bird flu in nearby areas


Dr. T Damodar Naidu, from the animal husbandry department, reported that no other cases of bird flu have been detected in Palanadu or any of the neighboring districts. He said, “We conducted physical surveillance of all poultry farms in the region and found no symptoms of bird flu among poultry.” He further added that the bird flu does not survive in temperatures above 60-70 degree celsius.


Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of health and Family Welfare has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response team to Andhra Pradesh to aid and assist the state in following this case till the very end.


Health officials are advising people against consuming raw meat or any undercooked poultry. Stressing the importance of cooking food properly to avoid any such health implications, endangering your near and dear ones. The community is urged to remain observant of such malicious disease and adhere to the safety standards to mitigate the risk of this influenza transmission.


The Andhra Pradesh government issued a statement saying that only four cases of human avian influenza (H5N1 and H9N2) have been reported in India over the past five years, one each from Maharashtra in June 2019, Haryana in July 2021, and two from West Bengal in April and May 2024.



In July 2021, the last H5N1 fatal case was reported. An 11-year-old boy from Gurugram, who was simultaneously being treated for acute myeloid leukemia at AIIMS, New Delhi, had died due to the viral infection.


In order to stay safe, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms and practive preventive measures:

Mild symptoms and signs against bird flu may include:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body ache
• Mild fever (temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches
• Redness or irritation

Within the time from when a person is exposed and infected with avian influenza A(H5), the symptoms begin in about 2 to 7 days. Eye symptoms can occur usually after two days of contracting the virus.



Common measures to prevent bird flu

Practice hand hygiene

Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and animals

Avoid consuming raw milk

Prevent the spread of respiratory infections

Prepare poultry safely, and cook it until at least 165 degrees Celsius

Watch closely for any signs of illness and report to your nearest hospital