KATHMANDU, May 2: A 21 year old was killed by bird flu – the first to succumb to the H5N1 and HPAI virus in Nepal.

“This is the first case in the history of Nepal where a person has died of the disease,” according to Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, Chief of Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Teku.

“We had heard bird flu claiming lives in different parts of the world, but this is the first case in Nepal,” he added.  

The boy’s identity and the hospital where he was undergoing treatment has been kept confidential. 

On March 24, 2019 the patient had gone to the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital after showing signs of fever and cough. His saliva was sent to the National Public Health Laboratory. The report found him positive with bird flu.  A day later, the patient was provided with medication while his saliva was also sent to Japan to validate the results of NPHL. On April 30, Japan confirmed the virus.  

The Ministry of Health and Population is scheduled to organize a press meet today to debrief on the incident.

Here are some tips to prevent bird flu (video)

1, Cook properly:

Bird flu is transmitted through a virus and if meat and eggs are cooked properly then the heat will destroy the virus. So, it’s very crucial to cook meat properly before consumption.

2, Handle dead birds properly:

Bird flu will transmit to human even through dead and infected birds, so it’s very important to inform concerned authorities if any suspicious bird is seen. The body shall not be touched by neither human nor any other animals. Similarly, dead body of poultry farming should be handled properly.

3, Use precaution:

As there is no proper treatment for bird flu, it’s always better to use the precautions. Precaution includes using scientific equipments in poultry farming, maintaining hygiene of farms and care takers, and not consuming meat when birds around are infected.

 
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