• April 20, 2024

Although the H7N9 influenza virus has not yet spread around the world, one study suggests that feces are a route of transmission of this disease that has infected 146 people, of whom 45 have died worldwide, of agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO).

In the study conducted by researchers from Hong Kong It is detailed that this disease is not only transmitted from birds to people, but that there is a possibility that it spread among humans, according to the information published in the South China Morning Post .

In the investigation directed by the epidemiologist Yuen Kwok-yung , it is explained that after testing people who have died, the H7N9 influenza virus was found in the feces, while the blood, urine, as well as pulmonary, cardiac and renal tissues were clean.

H7N9 virus, resistant to antivirals

Despite the fact that "efficient human-to-human transmission has not yet been achieved," research suggests that the H7N9 influenza virus easily acquires resistance to antivirals.

The study, published in The Lancet , points out that in some cases there were mutations that made the virus immune to the drugs used to overcome the disease such as zanamivir and the oseltamivir.

Despite the research, many more are still needed to find other forms of contagion, the method to reduce transmission and make treatments more effective. And you, how do you protect yourself from bird flu?

Video Medicine: Bird Flu Resistance Worries (April 2024).