Two suspected human cases of bird flu detected in Odisha's Puri

Bhubaneswar, Aug 28: In Odisha’s Puri district, two individuals are suspected of contracting bird flu as mass culling of chickens continues in various parts of the area. The cases were identified at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in the coastal district, and their samples have been sent to the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) in Bhubaneswar for further testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Health officials note that while transmission of bird flu from birds to humans is uncommon, it can occur in those who have close contact with infected birds. Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra confirmed that samples are also being tested at the Pune Virology Centre to determine if the suspected cases are positive for the virus.

The mass culling of chickens was initiated following the detection of the H5N1 strain of avian flu in farms in Pipilli and Satyabadi areas, as reported by the National Institute of High Security Animal Disease (NIHSD).

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling announced that the department is well-prepared, with ASHA workers conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns and distributing Tamiflu medication. A primary surveillance zone has been established within a one-kilometer radius, with a secondary zone extending up to ten kilometers around the affected regions. ASHA workers are also providing N95 masks as part of the containment measures.

The Health Department is intensifying its monitoring and preparedness efforts in the Pipili and Satyabadi blocks, where the H5N1 outbreak is under close scrutiny.