21-year-old student dies of bird flu in Vietnam. How the disease spreads to humans

While most strains of avian influenza do not infect humans easily, some can cause death. (Representational)

A 21-year-old student died of avian influenza or bird flu in Vietnam marking the nation's first documented human fatality from the virus. Vietnam’s Ministry of Health verified the death, disclosing that the student, enrolled at Nha Trang University, fell victim to the H5N1 subtype of bird flu on March 23rd.

Avian Flu Diary, a well-known infectious disease news outlet, detailed the student’s case. On March 11, the student developed symptoms of fever and cough, and home remedies did not work.

The patient went for treatment at the Ninh Hoa Medical Centre on March 16 or 17th, and was subsequently transferred to Khanh Hoa General Hospital for treatment with a diagnosis of pneumonia, the outlet reported.

On March 19, patient samples were collected following which he tested positive for influenza A/H5 the next day. But the virus progressed rapidly and the student died two days later on March 23, the outlet reported.

The tragedy ignited a flurry of concerns among health authorities, urging the implementation of stringent measures to curtail the transmission of bird flu to humans.

Despite no evidence of ailing or dead poultry near the student's house, reports indicate the entrapment of wild birds in the vicinity during the Lunar New Year festivities. Since January, numerous Vietnamese provinces have grappled with bird flu outbreaks.

The Ministry of Health also pointed to shifting weather dynamics, which could furnish fertile ground for the virus to proliferate. In response to this looming threat, surveillance has been heightened to identify and address any potential flare-ups and other safety measures are in place.

Transmission in humans

The transmission of the virus from birds to humans is relatively rare and usually occurs through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings. Humans can also contract bird flu through contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus.

While most strains of avian influenza do not infect humans easily, some, such as the H5N1 (in this case) and H7N9 strains, have caused severe illness and even death in people who have been infected.

The symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and respiratory distress. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure can develop as well.