The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is closely monitoring the H5N1 avian influenza A virus, which remains a low-risk threat to the general public. Despite this, experts warn that available treatments and vaccines are insufficient to prevent severe disease. NIAID Director Jeanne M. Marrazzo and chief of the Respiratory Diseases Branch Michael G. Ison emphasize the need for timely collaboration among investigators in human and veterinary medicine, public health, and healthcare.
The virus has caused 66 confirmed and 7 probable cases of influenza in people in the US and one case in Canada since March 2024. While most cases have been mild and resolved on their own, there is a concern about mutations found in a Canadian patient who developed respiratory failure. To address this, researchers must prioritize disease surveillance to identify and assess viral changes.
Key steps to controlling the outbreak include:
1. Timely collaborations among investigators.
2. Focus on understanding viral mutations, particularly those affecting human respiratory epithelium.
3. Developing and testing medical countermeasures, such as vaccines and therapies.
4. Preventing exposure to the virus through precautions like personal protective equipment.
By taking these steps, scientists and public health officials can better understand how H5N1 is spreading, evolving, and affecting people, other mammals, and birds.
Source: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-officials-assess-threat-h5n1