The recent death of a person in Louisiana due to bird flu has raised concerns about the potential risk of transmission among humans. However, experts warn that there is no need for panic, as the risk remains low. Dr. William Hanage, an epidemiologist at Harvard University, believes it’s past time for the public to be aware of the outbreak and take precautions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 67 human cases in the US, mostly among farmworkers who have been exposed to infected animals. The virus does not stick well to the respiratory tract, making transmission difficult. However, experts are concerned about the potential for mutations that could make the virus more transmissible.
Dr. Hanage emphasizes that adapting to survive inside humans is not the same as adapting to transmit effectively to another person. While there have been few human cases of H5N1, the fact that it has occurred suggests that the virus can spread among humans with close contact.
The expert advises the public to be cautious when handling dead birds or consuming raw milk, which may contain infected animals’ bodily fluids. Vaccination is also recommended for farmworkers and others at risk of exposure.
While there are concerns about the potential risk of transmission, Dr. Hanage reassures that there is no reason to panic about H5N1 at present. The outbreak requires attention and precautions, but it is essential to avoid unnecessary alarm and take steps to protect public health.
Source: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/01/should-we-be-panicked-about-bird-flu-william-bill-hanage