No human transmission of bird flu in Leyte amid cases in chicken

TACLOBAN CITY – There is no confirmed human transmission of bird flu in Leyte province, weeks after the detection of the first-ever Avian Influenza case in the region, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

Citing the latest report from the regional epidemiology and surveillance unit, the DOH regional office here said the two recorded cases of bird flu in a poultry farm in Kananga, Leyte, have not infected humans.

"The municipal health office of Kananga has been closely observing the 23 poultry farm workers who had close contact with the chickens, and, currently, there are no reported symptoms of illness among such personnel. Their 10-day quarantine ended on March 28, 2024," the DOH said.

Even if there is no confirmation of human transmission, the DOH will intensify its surveillance activities in the region on influenza-like illnesses, strengthen the campaign regarding the importance of boosting the immune system, and continue to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for additional news about bird flu in the region.

"Although there is nothing for the public to worry about, the Department of Health reminds us to be alert to further reports regarding this disease and other notifiable diseases in the region and to focus only on reliable news sources," the DOH added.

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses.

These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred.

The news of bird flu in Leyte broke out on March 12 when the municipality of Kananga reported to the DA about the "abnormal daily mortality" of chickens inside the Leyte Poultry Development Corp. in Kananga.

A month earlier, farm workers observed nasal discharge in some chickens. The onset and exponential mortalities were noted in the first week of March.

The common signs exhibited by the birds included gasping, nasal discharge, and swollen heads.

Two chickens turned positive for bird flu during a rapid test on March 13.

Migratory birds and the illegal movement of infected birds could be the source of infection, according to the farm department. (PNA)