The US is facing concerns over the rapid spread of the H5N1 avian flu virus, which has already impacted over 1,000 dairy herds across the country since March 2024. The outbreak has resulted in over 70 human infections and at least one verified death.
Health experts are warning that the ongoing presence of the virus in mammals raises the possibility of shifts that could allow for human-to-human transmission. Improved surveillance, standardized testing, and vaccination programs for farmworkers and animals are being emphasized as urgent measures to prevent and respond to the outbreak.
According to Dr. Sten H. Vermund, dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, proactive surveillance and quick reaction strategies are crucial in understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections. The CDC has reported minimal threat to the public, but emphasizes the importance of taking preventative measures for those with intimate contact with affected animals.
The virus has been linked to multiple human cases among dairy and poultry workers in the US, and is also common in wild birds around the world. While there is currently little risk to the public’s health, the CDC is closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with states to track anyone who have been exposed to animals.
As of January 2025, Louisiana reported the first bird flu death, which highlights the potential severity of the outbreak. The patient had preexisting medical issues and contracted the virus through contact with ailing and dead birds from a backyard flock.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/us-warned-of-potential-pandemic-as-new-virus-spreads-in-all-50-states-amid-human-transmission-concerns-101745930869003.html