Rapid Bird Flu Cases Might Increase The Risk Of Human Infection
The World Health Organisation has cautioned that the current spike in bird flu infections among mammals may facilitate the virus’s easier spread among humans.
Avian influenza viruses typically circulate among birds, but since mammals are biologically closer to humans than birds are, there is concern that the H5N1 avian influenza virus may have evolved to infect humans more readily.
According to World Health Organisation
The WHO stated in a statement on Wednesday that some mammals may also serve as mixing bowls for influenza viruses, which might result in the formation of novel viruses that are more dangerous to both humans and animals.
Recently, there have been more and more reports of influenza A(H5), especially influenza A(H5N1), virus-related fatal outbreaks among mammals. Since 2022, outbreaks in mammals have been reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) from as many as 10 nations on three continents. There are perhaps additional nations where epidemics are still undetected or unreported.
According to Gregorio Torres, head of the science department at WOAH, “There is a recent paradigm shift in the ecology and epidemiology of avian influenza that has heightened global concern as the disease spread to new geographical regions and caused unusual wild bird die-offs, as well as an alarming rise in mammalian cases.”
With only 8 cases recorded since December 2021, sporadic influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus detections in humans have also been reported, but they are still extremely rare.
Human infections can result in serious illness with a high fatality rate. According to the report, the human cases that have been found so far are usually associated with close contact with diseased birds and contaminated settings.
According to the evidence now available, the virus does not seem to spread quickly from one person to another, but Sylvie Briand, Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, WHO, warned that this might change if the virus evolves.
“We encourage all countries to increase their ability to monitor these viruses and to detect any human cases. This is especially important as the virus is now affecting countries with limited prior experience in avian flu surveillance,” Briand added.
Studies are being conducted to find any modifications to the virus that could make it easier for mammals, including humans, to contract it.
Keith Sumption, Chief Veterinary Officer, FAO, stated that “the epidemiology of H5N1 continues to rapidly evolve.”
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