Bird flu outbreak: Health department advises taking precautions.

Tamil Nadu: The Public Health Department has advised people to take precautions to prevent bird flu.

The Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) has found that crows that died in Adyar, Chennai, were infected with the H5N1 bird flu strain. Therefore, the central government has instructed the Chief Secretary to intensify preventive measures.

Meanwhile, crows are dying in some areas of Chennai and Tiruvallur, causing fear among the public. This infection can spread from infected chickens to other birds and then to humans. Humans can also easily contract the infection through contact with their droppings.

Furthermore, since mosquitoes can transmit the West Nile virus from infected birds or humans to others, there is a high possibility that other people will also become infected.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle cramps, cough, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, caution is necessary, the Public Health Department said.

In this regard, public health officials stated: Chickens are also highly susceptible to bird flu. Therefore, when consuming chicken meat, it is safe to eat only thoroughly cooked meat. Improperly cooked meat can lead to complications.

Also, dead crows and other birds should not be touched with bare hands near homes or in public places. If such instances occur, the local government bodies should be informed, they added.