Global health leaders from over 40 countries are sounding the alarm on the increasing threat of H5N1 avian flu, urging governments to take immediate action to boost surveillance, enhance biosecurity, and prepare for potential human-to-human transmission.
The Global Virus Network (GVN) has reviewed the US outbreak status and highlighted the importance of robust surveillance systems to detect emerging strains with pandemic potential. The authors have also spotlighted the risks facing the dairy and poultry industries, including severe cases and even a reported US death.
To mitigate these risks, researchers recommend continuously monitoring animals for virus evolution that may lead to human-to-human transmission, accelerating data sharing among global research networks, and investing in predicting traits of avian flu viruses from genetic data.
Additionally, they advocate for the development and rapid deployment of vaccines for both people and animals, as well as conducting clinical studies on emerging virus strains and potential therapies.
The alarming findings of a recent study have revealed exposure to antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in farm air, which poses significant health risks to farm workers and surrounding residents. The researchers recommend implementing measures to reduce the risk of ARG dissemination, such as strict farm-cleaning protocols and personal protective equipment.
In other news, analysis has shown that uptake of seasonal flu vaccine has increased among Black and Hispanic adults, with more progress seen in rural areas. This divergence in vaccination rates highlights the need for further studies to determine the reasons behind these changes.
As global health leaders continue to sound the alarm on the H5N1 avian flu threat, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address this growing concern.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/top-virologists-urge-world-leaders-act-rising-avian-flu-threat