H7N7 virus

The H7N7 virus is a subtype of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. This viral respiratory disease primarily affects poultry and other bird species, but it can also be transmitted to humans.1

While H5N1 is the most deadly variety, H7N7 has also been detected in humans. A less severe form of disease associated with H7N7 was reported in the Netherlands in 2003, resulting in one human death and the culling of thousands of chickens.1

Symptoms in humans are similar to those of human influenza, including fever, sore throat, cough, headache, and muscle aches. Severe cases can lead to complications like pneumonia or acute respiratory illness. Bird flu viruses are classified as type A influenza viruses, distinguished by surface proteins called hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).1