• Bird flu, also called avian influenza, is a viral infection that can infect not only birds, but also humans and other  animals.
• Most forms of the virus are restricted to birds.
• H5N1 is the most common form of bird flu. It’s deadly to birds and can easily affect humans and other animals that come in contact with a carrier.
• According to the World Health Organization Trusted Source, H5N1 was first discovered in humans in 1997 and has killed nearly 60 percent Trusted Source of those infected.

Symptoms such as:

• Cough/ diarrhea/ respiratory difficulties/  fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C)/ headache/  muscle aches/  malaise/     runny nose/  sore throat

Kerala was placed on high alert on Monday after an outbreak of bird flu was confirmed in Kottayam and Alappuzha districts.