PATNA: The state health department has put all the government hospitals on alert against the H5N1 virus which claimed the lives of six peafowls at Patna zoo between December 16 and 23. The virus was also reported in Asarganj block of Munger district where affected avian species had to be culled. The hospitals have been asked to notify any case of suspected avian influenza in any person by coming into direct contact with dead birds affected with the virus.Patna civil surgeon Pramod Kumar Jha on Thursday advised people to avoid eggs and poultry chicken till the bird flu threat subsides. “Although the virus cannot survive above 70 degrees Celsius, people should avoid eating eggs and poultry chicken for now as it is possible that the avian species that lay eggs and eaten as a food item might be affected with the virus and people eat them out of ignorance,” he said and added that people should also avoid coming into contact with dead birds.However, health department principal secretary Sanjay Kumar said there was no need to panic.“As of now, no case of human infection has been reported from any part of the state. But we have issued advisory to all government medical college hospitals to be prepared to deal with any person exposed to avian flu,” he told this newspaper on Thursday.State animal husbandry department has asked citizens to report any unusual death of avian species on 0612-2230942. “We have also provided Tamiflu capsules to officials engaged in surveying people in the affected areas,” a health department official said.State epidemiologist Dr Ragini Mishra said the health and animal husbandry departments would monitor people in the affected areas. “The H5N1 virus is contained in Munger district and sanitization of Patna zoo is also under way. But people should avoid direct exposure to dead birds,” Dr Mishra said.The state health department will soon start programmes to create awareness among people about precautionary measures to be taken in order to prevent avian influenza.Dr Vikash Keshri, the public health expert in centre for health policy (CHP) at Asian Development Research Institute, said, “In case of bird flu, the transmission from birds to humans is possible. So bird handlers should be extra vigilant while the general public should avoid coming into contact with domestic birds also. People should also avoid contact with birds that appear ill.”Physician Dr Diwakar Tejaswi also advised people to avoid touching excreta, blood or any fluid of birds. Besides, people should also avoid eating eggs and chicken unless properly cooked on high temperature. Those suffering from breathlessness, muscle pain, cough and fever should get their samples tested in hospitals, he said.

Stay updated with all the Latest Patna headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.