The Health & Family Welfare Department revealed on Tuesday that two suspected human cases of bird flu have been identified at Mangalpur Community Health Centre (CHC) amid the mass culling of chickens in various parts of Odisha's Puri district.
The health department has intensified monitoring in Pipili and Satyabadi blocks, where an H5N1 outbreak is being closely watched.
A primary surveillance zone covers a 1 km radius around the affected area, with a secondary zone extending up to 10 km.
ASHA workers are conducting awareness campaigns and distributing Tamiflu and N95 masks as part of containment efforts.
Approximately 25,000 birds have been culled, with ongoing coordination between the health and animal husbandry departments.
Bird flu, caused by avian influenza Type A viruses, mainly infects wild birds and poultry, with sporadic human cases through direct contact with infected animals or environments.
Bird Flu Symptoms and CDC-Recommended Precautions
Bird flu symptoms in people range from mild, like eye infections and upper respiratory issues, to severe illnesses, including pneumonia, which can be fatal.
Other symptoms include conjunctivitis, sore throat, headache, runny nose, muscle or body aches, fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort.
The CDC advises starting antiviral treatment as soon as possible for suspected or confirmed influenza A(H5N1) cases, noting that early treatment is most effective.
Precautions include avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces, animal feces, raw milk, and uncooked or raw bird products to prevent infection.