The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the risk to the general population from H5N1 bird flu remains low following the first death of a patient from the virus in the United States. The patient, who was over 65 and had underlying medical conditions, contracted the virus after exposure to backyard chickens and wild birds.
According to WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris, while there is concern about the situation, the risk to the general public remains low due to extensive surveillance efforts by US health officials. Nearly 70 people in the US have contracted bird flu since April, mostly farmworkers who have been exposed to infected poultry flocks and dairy herds.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also confirmed that the virus has circulated among these groups, but US federal and state officials have reassured the public that the risk remains low. The WHO’s assessment is in line with previous statements from US health authorities, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance and monitoring to prevent potential outbreaks.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/bird-flu-risk-remains-low-after-first-us-death-who-says-2025-01-07