The Rapid Spread of H5N1 Bird Flu to New Species
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the alarming spread of the H5N1 bird flu to new species, including humans. Jeremy Farrar, the chief scientific officer of the UN health agency, expressed his worry during a press conference in Geneva. He stated that he believed this issue remained a significant concern.
The current outbreak of bird flu began in 2020 and has resulted in the deaths of millions of poultry. Surprisingly, the virus has also infected wild birds, as well as land and marine mammals. Last month, experts were taken aback when cows and goats were added to the list of affected species. It was previously believed that these animals were immune to this type of bird flu.
Farrar emphasized that A (H5N1) has become a global pandemic due to its transmission from zoonotic animals to humans. The greatest concern lies in the fact that this virus has evolved and is now capable of infecting humans. Furthermore, it is increasingly capable of spreading from human to human through ducks, chickens, and mammals. However, it is important to note that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the influenza virus A(H5N1).
The mortality rate for humans infected by animals is exceptionally high. Farrar highlighted that in the hundreds of cases where individuals have been exposed to animals, the mortality rate has been extraordinary. From 2003 to April 1 of this year, the WHO reported 463 deaths out of 889 cases across 23 countries, resulting in a fatality rate of 52 percent.
In a recent case in Texas, a person was reported to be recovering from bird flu after being in contact with dairy cattle. This marks the second human case of bird flu in the United States, with previous cases in Texas, Kansas, and other states where herds were likely exposed to wild birds. It is also the first known case of a human contracting the influenza A (H5N1) bird flu virus from an infected mammal, according to the WHO.
Farrar issued a warning, stating that when the virus enters the mammalian population, it is a significant step closer to potentially infecting humans. He emphasized that “this virus is always looking for new, novel hosts,” highlighting the constant threat posed by the virus.
In conclusion, the rapid spread of H5N1 bird flu to new species, including humans, is a cause for great concern. The mortality rate for humans infected by animals is exceptionally high, and there is a constant risk of the virus evolving further and spreading from human to human. The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and urges caution in dealing with this global pandemic.