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Friday, July 5th, 2024

H5N1 Virus found in milk, rats became ill after drinking 20 drops, scientists advise – do not make this mistake while drinking milk

navbharat times


In a recent research, scientists have found that consuming raw milk from cows infected with H5N1 avian influenza can spread the disease rapidly in rats. According to the report of the researchers, symptoms of the disease started appearing in the rats only after feeding them a small amount of milk.

Scientists from America’s Wisconsin-Madison University and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory have done this research. They published their results in the New England Journal of Medicine (Reference) is published in.

Fell ill after drinking 20 drops of milk

The researchers fed about 20 drops of milk to the rats. On the first day of the study, the rats started showing symptoms of the disease, which included swelling and lethargy. The mice were kept alive until the fourth day, then scientists killed them and examined the levels of the virus in their various organs.

The virus had entered the nose and lungs

The virus had entered the nose and lungs

The investigation found that there was a high concentration of virus in the nasal passages, respiratory tract and lungs of the rats. At the same time, this virus was found in less or at least a little more in other parts of the body. These results are similar to those found in other mammals.

The virus had entered the throat

The virus had entered the throat

Researchers say that the infection may have possibly occurred through the throat. Additionally, they also found H5N1 in the mammary glands of two mice, which is similar to the results found in cows.

Can it affect humans?

Can it affect humans?

In this research, studies have been done on rats. More research is still needed on what effect it will have on humans. But this research definitely underlines the dangers of drinking raw milk.

what happened when milk was heated

what happened when milk was heated

The researchers examined the temperature and time required to inactivate the H5N1 virus. They heated milk samples to 145°F (62.8°C) and found that heating for different time intervals of 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes completely killed the virus. However, heating at a temperature of 161.6°F (71.7°C) for short periods of time (15 and 20 seconds) weakened, but did not completely inactivate, the virus.

What happened when milk was kept in the refrigerator

What happened when milk was kept in the refrigerator

In an experiment conducted on another infected sample of milk, scientists found that there was very little reduction in virus levels after storing the milk at 39.2°F (4°C) for 5 weeks. This means that the virus can remain infectious even in raw milk kept in the refrigerator.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.

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