In a concerning development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday confirmed the second human case of bird flu in the United States. The infected individual, a dairy worker in Texas, tested positive for the virus, raising alarm bells among health authorities and the public alike.
Between January 2003 and February 26 of the current year, there have been a total of 887 reported cases of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza worldwide. Among these cases, 462 have resulted in fatalities, representing a mortality rate of 52%.
Bird flu, scientifically known as avian influenza, is caused by avian influenza Type A viruses, which naturally spread among wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry and other bird species. While bird flu viruses typically do not infect humans, sporadic cases have been reported, primarily among individuals directly involved in working with infected poultry.
“This virus (has been) on the top of the pandemic list for many, many years and probably decades…And now we are getting dangerously close to this virus potentially causing a pandemic,” the DailyMail quoted Dr Suresh Kuchipudi, a bird flu researcher in Pittsburgh, as saying.
During a recent briefing, Dr. Kuchipudi emphasized the alarming features of the H5N1 bird flu virus, stating that it has already exhibited several key characteristics of a potential pandemic virus and poses the greatest threat of a global pandemic.
The concerns were raised among researchers who discussed the issue extensively, expressing apprehension that the virus may be nearing a critical threshold that could trigger a worldwide pandemic.
Dr. Syed Abdul Aleem, a consultant pulmonologist at CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad, explained that bird flu is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system of birds.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, can be fatal for birds. While human infections with bird flu viruses are rare, they can lead to serious health risks, particularly with strains like H5N1.
The current strain causing concern in the United States is a Type A H5N1 virus, which was first detected in 1959. Although not a new strain, the virus has undergone evolutionary changes over time, leading to the development of newer strains.
The recent confirmation of human cases, particularly in mammals like cows, has raised concerns about the virus’s potential to infect humans.
John Fulton, a pharmaceutical industry consultant, expressed concerns about the severity of the current outbreak, comparing it to COVID-19. “This appears to be 100 times worse than COVID, or it could be if it mutates and maintains its high case fatality rate,” Fulton was quoted by DailyMail as saying.
He emphasized the need for vigilance and preparedness measures to mitigate the spread of the virus and minimize the risk of infection.
While no cases have been reported in India, health authorities stress the importance of increased surveillance and monitoring of the situation. Dr. Aleem urged vigilance and preparedness, highlighting the importance of staying informed about developments and following guidelines from health authorities to prevent outbreaks and protect public health.
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