TN govt clarifies on bird flu

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPHPM) has issued an advisory to calm public concern after reports of avian influenza surfaced following unusual deaths of birds in parts of the state, including Chennai. The health department stressed that the risk of bird flu spreading to humans is very rare, as the virus typically affects avian species and is mainly transmitted among birds. The advisory clarifies that avian influenza primarily circulates in birds, and human infections are uncommon. However, officials noted that people with direct and prolonged exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments may face a small risk of infection. Common symptoms in humans, if infected, can include fever, cough, sore throat and body pain — similar to typical influenza-like illness. Authorities have urged poultry handlers, people dealing with sick or dead birds, and workers in meat-processing units to be especially cautious. Preventive measures recommended in the advisory include maintaining good hand hygiene, keeping environments clean, avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and not consuming raw or undercooked poultry products such as meat or eggs.