The novel coronavirus is no longer a dominant concern for many Americans, but experts are keeping a close eye on another emerging threat: bird flu. The highly contagious H5N1 virus has infected at least 66 people across 10 states, mainly through contact with infected poultry and cattle or unpasteurized milk.
Influenza A subtype H5N1, also known as the “bird flu,” is currently circulating in the US, particularly in California. While human-to-human transmission remains low, experts believe that mutations could make it more infectious. According to Dr. Conor Meehan, a professor at Nottingham Trent University, this recent increase in cases should raise concerns for public health officials.
The risk of bird flu spreading among humans is currently low, but the virus has shown an ability to mutate rapidly and spread between mammals. Researchers have discovered that a single mutation could make H5N1 adept at infecting humans. This raises concerns about the potential for pandemics in 2025.
Symptoms of avian flu are generally mild, ranging from conjunctivitis to cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle or body aches, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, hospitalization has become more common, particularly among those handling sick birds.
The US government has taken steps to prepare for this emerging threat by buying vaccines and commissioning an mRNA bird-flu vaccine. Other countries, such as Finland and the UK, have also started offering vaccinations to workers who have been exposed to animals.
Experts emphasize that prevention is key to combating diseases like bird flu. By surveying and disrupting infectious diseases in humans, we can protect our animals and the environment’s health too.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14228219/expert-reveals-infectious-diseases-pathogens-start-pandemic.html