Skopje, 21 October 2024 (MIA) - Two Skopje ZOO employees who previously exhibited symptoms tested negative for avian influenza, the Public Health Institute (PHI) said on Monday.

Epidemiological surveys were conducted on 16 people, according to a list provided by the ZOO.

On October 21, according to protocols, a bird flu test was performed in the Department of Virology at PHI, which is internationally accredited for the diagnosis of influenza of human and animal origin, on a person who in the epidemiological survey stated he experienced high fever symptoms. A second employee was also tested, who was not part of the list, but on October 21 reported to the PHI with symptoms, the PHI said in press release.

Infectious Diseases Clinic director Fadil Cana told MIA there is no room for panic among citizens when it comes to avian influenza. He stressed that as things stand, there is no room for panic with seasonal flu, let alone avian flu.

The H5N1 bird flu infection was first detected in a goose that died in the ZOO's pond on Oct. 14.

As the outbreak of bird flu was confirmed at the Skopje Zoo, PHI has issued recommendations to citizens, stating that almost all infection cases with the flu are related to close contact with infected live or dead birds. According to PHI, although there may have been some cases that were not detected, it appears that the virus does not infect humans easily and is not spread from person to person, based on current knowledge and understanding of this disease.

Influenza A (H5N1) is one of several influenza viruses that cause a highly contagious respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza or bird flu. Infections in mammals, including humans, have also been documented. The incubation period for A (H5N1) infection is estimated to be up to seven days, although it is usually two to five days after the last known exposure to sick or dead poultry. However, the incubation period can last up to 14 days. Infection with the influenza can cause a range of illnesses in humans, from mild to severe, and in some cases can even be fatal. Mortality rate is up to 50 percent at the moment, reads the press release.

The PHI stresses that infected patients should be properly managed to avoid complicating the disease and death.

It adds that patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection with progressive, complicated, or severe illness - or those with asymptomatic or mild illness but who are at increased risk of severe illness - should be treated with antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir, as soon as possible.

Safety recommendations are to avoid contact with sick or dead animals, contact with animals in farms and animal markets, entering areas where animals may be slaughtered, contact with any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with animal feces, slaughtering or eating sick animals.

Follow good food safety practices such as avoiding consumption of raw milk, eggs and meat. Maintain collective and personal hygiene, including regular hand washing with soap and water. People with occupational exposure should follow work protocols as well as workplace-related prevention measures, says the PHI.

If someone thinks they may have bird flu they should seek immediate medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, coughing and difficulty breathing, or conjunctivitis or other unexplained symptoms. Inform the personal physician of any exposure to sick or dead animals.

Take protective measures: wear a mask and limit contact with other people, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, properly dispose of tissues, regularly ventilate the space where you are, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and regularly wash your hands with soap and water, adds the PHI. ssh/ik/

Photo: Facebook