Avian Influenza: Understanding the H5N2 Subtype
What is Avian Influenza?
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease caused by infection with influenza type A viruses that primarily affect birds. These viruses can be classified into two categories: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). HPAI viruses can cause severe disease and even death in birds, while LPAI viruses generally cause mild or no symptoms.
The H5N2 Subtype
H5N2 is a subtype of avian influenza virus that has been identified in a wide variety of birds, including chickens, ducks, and geese. It is considered to be a highly pathogenic virus, and can cause severe respiratory disease and death in infected birds.
Human Infections
Human infections with avian influenza viruses are relatively rare, but they can occur. Symptoms of human infection with H5N2 can range from mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and death. There have been several cases of human infection with H5N2 reported globally, most of which have occurred in people who have had close contact with infected birds.
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