Bird Flu

Avian flu is caused by a form of influenza virus that usually infects birds. The few people who have become sick or died from the bird flu had direct contact with infected birds.

The strain of bird flu that has infected people in Asia and the Middle East recently is called H5N1, which cannot be spread from person to person.

How Does Bird Flu Spread ?

Migrating birds, like ducks, geese, and swans, can carry and spread the virus to other birds - often across country borders.

Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans

fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches. But this flu can also lead to eye infections, pneumonia, breathing problems.

Protection

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you prepare poultry meat for cooking.
• Cook poultry so that the temperature of the meat reaches at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius)
• Never eat undercooked poultry. And always wash any kitchen surfaces that have had uncooked meat on them.
• Separate raw meat from cooked or ready-to-eat foods. And don't use the same cutting boards, knives, or utensils that are used on uncooked meats on other foods.
• Avoid any contact with live birds.
  
  

Why Are People So Worried About It ?

Experts are concerned that the H5N1 strain of bird flu could mutate (change) into a new form that can spread from person to person.

- Bird Flu = Avian flu: أنفلونزا الطيور
- Strain: سلالة
- Migrating birds: الطيور المهاجرة
- Swans: البجع
- Pneumonia: التهاب رئوي
- Poultry: الدواجن
- Separate: يفصل
- Utensils: أدوات