Brazil has 4 suspected cases of avian flu in humans – 05/23/2023 – Health

The Ministry of Health reported this Tuesday (23) that four residents of Espírito Santo are still under suspicion of being contaminated with the avian flu virus (H5N1). The blood samples collected from these people are being analyzed by Fiocruz (Oswaldo Cruz Foundation).

On the other hand, all the other 38 tests carried out (34 in Espírito Santo and four in Rio de Janeiro) in people who had contact with sick birds were negative.

In Espírito Santo, 33 negative results were from employees of the Fazendinha park, where one of the contaminated birds was found, and another from a servant of the Institute for Research and Rehabilitation of Marine Animals (Ipram). The other four exams are from residents of São João da Barra, in the north of Rio de Janeiro.

On the night of this Monday (22), Mapa (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock) published an ordinance in the Official Journal of the Union declaring a state of zoosanitary emergency throughout the country, which must remain in force for a period of 180 days, and may be extended for a period undetermined.

The purpose of this decree is to prevent the disease from reaching subsistence and commercial poultry production, in addition to preserving fauna and human health.

The Map continues to warn the population not to pick up sick or dead birds and call the veterinary service in their city if they find any in these conditions.

The Ministry of Health also reported that the scenario in the country is one of alert and monitoring. “According to what has been observed in the world, the virus does not easily infect humans and, when this occurs, person-to-person transmission is generally not sustained,” said the folder.

In Rio de Janeiro, the SES-RJ (Secretary of State for Health) released a note with safety tips for poultry breeders to avoid a pandemic.

“The Secretariat of Agriculture advises breeders of broiler or laying birds to intensify the biosecurity measures on the farms. Care must be taken, such as strictly prohibiting any type of visit to the production units; checking nucleus fencing and shed screens; maintaining the gate access to closed properties; disinfect vehicles in full operation and materials that access the farms; be careful with feed and water and restrict poultry breeding by employees”, listed the statement.