The threat of a global H5N1 bird flu epidemic is increasing, evidenced by the United States identifying a patient with an unknown route of infection. This is concerning, as it raises potential avenues for person-to-person transmission.
CDC officials noted that, although there’s no current evidence of human transmission, the possibility cannot be completely ruled out. This uncertainty highlights the urgent need forcontinued surveillance and studies to assess the risk and protective measures against H5N1.
The current H5N1 epidemic, originating from subtype 2.3.4.4b, has already decimated hundreds of millions of birds and is now documented to infect mammals. The spread mechanisms remain unclear, signaling an alarming trend in how this virus behaves.
Despite past infections resulting in severe outcomes, authorities maintain that the risk to human health is low; notably, only mild symptoms have been reported in the 13 identified cases associated with farms in the U.S.
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