The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 66 human cases of bird flu in the country, but no person-to-person transmission has been detected. The outbreak has severely impacted the egg industry, leading to near-record high egg prices.
A recent severe case of bird flu in Louisiana showed signs of mutation, stoking fears that the virus could become more transmissible among humans. The sample taken from the patient revealed mutations in the gene responsible for attaching to host cells.
The CDC has confirmed 66 human cases across the US, with most being mild. However, the H5N1 bird flu outbreak has caused widespread concern and economic disruption in the egg industry. Cat food recalls have also been issued due to contamination concerns after a cat death was linked to a batch of feed contaminated with bird flu.
The CDC warned that no person-to-person transmission has been detected so far. The patient infected with the Louisiana strain, who is over 65 years old and has underlying health problems, is being monitored closely.
A mutation has also been reported in British Columbia, Canada. Experts are increasingly concerned that bird flu could potentially spark another pandemic.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/12/27/bird-flu-mutation-united-states-louisiana/77265627007