Concerns Over Spread of H5N1 Avian Influenza to New Species
The World Health Organization has raised alarm over the increasing spread of the H5N1 avian influenza strain to new species, including humans, who are facing an “extraordinarily high” mortality rate. The current bird flu outbreak that began in 2020 has resulted in the deaths of tens of millions of poultry, with wild birds, as well as land and marine mammals, also being infected.
New Species Affected
- Cows and goats were recently added to the list of species affected by the H5N1 strain, a surprising development for experts as they were not previously thought to be susceptible to this type of influenza.
Global Zoonotic Animal Pandemic
The A (H5N1) strain has now become a “global zoonotic animal pandemic,” according to the WHO’s chief scientist Jeremy Farrar. He expressed concerns about the virus evolving and developing the ability to infect humans, potentially leading to human-to-human transmission.
While there is currently no evidence of the virus spreading between humans, the mortality rate for those infected through contact with animals is remarkably high.
Human Cases and Mortality Rate
From the beginning of 2023 to April 1 of the same year, there have been 889 human cases recorded across 23 countries, resulting in 463 deaths and a case fatality rate of 52 percent.
Recent Cases in the US
In a concerning development, a person in Texas was reported to be recovering from bird flu after exposure to dairy cattle, marking the second case of human infection in the country. This incident raised concerns as it was the first human infection through contact with an infected mammal.
Preventive Measures and Preparedness
Jeremy Farrar emphasized the importance of monitoring and understanding human infections to prevent further adaptation of the virus. Efforts are underway to develop vaccines and therapeutics for H5N1, with a focus on ensuring that health authorities worldwide have the capacity to diagnose the virus promptly.
Equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics is crucial to prepare for any potential human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 virus, enabling a swift and effective response.