WHO Raises Alarm Over Spread of Bird Flu to Humans

The World Health Organization expressed serious concern on Thursday regarding the increasing spread of H5N1 bird flu to different species, including humans, where it poses an “extremely high” mortality risk.

“This is undoubtedly a significant concern,” stated Jeremy Farrar, the chief scientist of the UN health agency, during a press conference in Geneva.

The bird flu outbreak, starting in 2020, has killed millions of poultry and affected wild birds, as well as land and marine mammals.

Cows and Goats Added to Bird Flu-Affected Species List

Last month, experts were surprised to find that cows and goats, previously not thought susceptible to this influenza strain, became affected species.

Farrar described the A (H5N1) strain as a “global zoonotic animal pandemic.“

“The major concern is that as the virus infects ducks, chickens, and increasingly mammals, it could evolve to infect humans and potentially spread from person to person,” Farrar explained.

Currently, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the A(H5N1) virus. However, the mortality rate among humans infected through contact with animals is alarmingly high.

In fact, from 2003 to April 1 of this year, the WHO reported 463 deaths out of 889 human cases across 23 countries, resulting in a case fatality rate of 52 percent.

Second U.S. Human Bird Flu Case Linked to Infected Dairy Cattle

In a concerning development, a person in Texas recovered from bird flu after exposure to infected dairy cattle, marking only the second US case linked to herds exposed to wild birds in multiple states.

This case also marks the first known human infection with the A(H5N1) virus strain through contact with an infected mammal, according to WHO.

Farrar emphasized the virus’s adaptability, stating, “As it moves into the mammalian population, it comes closer to humans,” and warned that “this virus is actively seeking new hosts.”

“It’s a significant concern,” Farrar emphasized.

Farrar Highlights Need for Enhanced Monitoring of Human Infections

However, Farrar stressed the importance of enhancing surveillance to better understand the extent of human infections, as this is where the virus is most likely to adapt.

He pointed out the potential risks of human-to-human transmission, stating, “If I become infected with H5N1 and succumb to it, that’s the end. However, if I transmit it to others in the community, the cycle continues.”

Efforts are underway to develop vaccines and treatments for H5N1, and Farrar underscored the importance of ensuring that regional and national health authorities worldwide have the capability to diagnose the virus.

To conclude, Farrar emphasized that these efforts aim to prepare the world to respond promptly if H5N1 transitions to humans and achieves human-to-human transmission. He emphasized the importance of equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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