The H5N1 bird flu virus has infected 58 people in the US this year, mostly farmworkers exposed to high concentrations of the virus. Researchers found that the virus is spreading primarily through close contact with infected animals, but it’s only one mutation away from easily binding to human cells. This means that if the virus changes enough, it could become highly contagious and start a pandemic. Although public health officials maintain that the virus presents a low risk to the general public, they’re preparing for wider spread by stockpiling vaccines and making plans for their distribution. Experts warn that even small mutations can have significant consequences, making preparedness crucial to prevent potential pandemics.
Source: https://time.com/7200088/can-bird-flu-infect-humans