Latest news with #AvianinfluenzaA
NDTV
05-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
What is H5N1 Virus? How It Spreads to Humans
The H5N1 bird flu virus has affected all 50 states in the US. Since March 2024, the virus has infected more than 1,000 dairy herds across the US, with more than 70 human infections. The Global Virus Network (GVN) has warned about the possibility of a fresh pandemic in the US, as the virus's circulation in mammals can increase the risk of mutations that could enable human-to-human transmission. The current outbreak highlights the urgency of enhanced surveillance, standardised testing, and vaccination strategies for both animals and farm workers. What is H5N1 bird flu? Avian influenza A(H5N1) is a subtype of influenza virus that causes a highly infectious respiratory disease in birds and mammals. It can also infect humans. According to the World Health Organization, infections in humans can cause severe disease with a high mortality rate. What are the symptoms of H5N1? The H5N1 influenza virus can cause mild to severe symptoms in infected individuals. It can also be fatal in some cases. Symptoms reported have primarily been respiratory, but some may experience non-respiratory symptoms and conjunctivitis. Some common symptoms include: Fever Cough Sore throat Muscle ache Uneasiness H5N1 virus has also been detected in individuals without symptoms. How does it spread to humans? The H5N1 virus does not seem to transmit from one person to another. There have been no reports of ongoing human-to-human transmission. According to WHO, the human cases detected thus far are mostly linked to close contact with infected birds (both live and dead), other animals, and contaminated environments. Could the US outbreak spark a new Pandemic? The Global Virus Network (GVN) has warned that there is an increased risk of mutations that are capable of human-to-human transmission. "Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response," said Sten H Vermund, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, USA. "The virus' ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures." How to stay safe during an outbreak Avoid consumption of raw, incompletely cooked meat and eggs from areas experiencing outbreaks. Avoid contact with sick or infected birds and animals. WHO advises to avoid raw milk and recommends consumption of pasteurized milk. If pasteurized milk isn't available, heating raw milk until it boils can also make it safer for consumption. Wash hands with soap and water after handling poultry or visiting high-risk areas. Do not ignore the symptoms and seek medical help if needed. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Economic Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Fresh Pandemic in US? New virus spreads in all 50 states amid ‘human transmission' concerns
Is US facing the risk of a fresh pandemic? Fears about a fresh pandemic has now risen as the H5N1 virus is reportedly spreading across all 50 states and health officials have expressed concern over the virus. H5N1, is one of the most fatal ones, and can take human lives. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Here are ten things you need to know about H5N1 avian influenza virus : Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in International Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Health officials and Global Virus Networks have raised alarms as the H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to spread rapidly across dairy farms in the United States since March. The outbreak has also infected humans with more than 70 human infections and at least one confirmed death, as per 50 American states are reportedly facing an outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus this 2025 and experts have sounded an alarm over the possibility of a fresh pandemic in the US.-The United States is currently grappling with an outbreak of the H5N1 avian flu virus rapidly as it propagates throughout US dairy farms. The H5N1 virus is already leading to human infections, and experts are warning about the possibility of a fresh pandemic in the United States.-As of now, more than 70 human infections have been reported nationwide, with at least one confirmed death. The fatality occurred in January 2025 in Louisiana, where a 65-year-old man with underlying health conditions died after being hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms.-The continued presence of the virus in mammals suggests it could evolve to enable human-to-human transmission, according to the Global Virus Network (GVN). The organization emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, consistent testing protocols, and vaccination efforts targeting both farmworkers and animals.-"Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response," said Sten H Vermund, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, USA. "The virus' ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures."-Avian influenza A (H5N1) is a subtype of influenza virus that infects birds, and mammals and can also infect humans. According to the World Health Organization, infections in humans can cause severe disease with a high mortality rate.-Most human cases identified so far have been associated with direct contact with infected birds, animals, or contaminated environments. The virus does not appear to spread easily between people, and there have been no confirmed instances of sustained human-to-human transmission.-The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assessed the overall risk to the general population as low. However, they urge caution for individuals working in close contact with potentially infected animals, particularly in dairy and poultry industries. The CDC continues to monitor exposed individuals closely and encourages adherence to safety protocols.-H5N1 is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can lead to a spectrum of illnesses in humans, ranging from mild symptoms to severe, and potentially fatal, cases. Common symptoms include high fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and muscle pain. In some instances, individuals may also develop conjunctivitis or other non-respiratory symptoms.-Sten H Vermund, MD, PhD, dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, USA, stated that 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response.' Citing the virus's capacity to infect both humans and animals, the expert said that proactive surveillance and quick reaction strategies are crucial.-According to the CDC, the outbreak poses minimal risk to the general public. However, they stress the importance of preventive measures, especially for individuals in close contact with infected animals
Indian Express
02-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
H5N1 Bird Flu outbreak in US: Experts warn of pandemic risk as more than 70 cases of human infections detected
The H5N1 bird flu virus continues to spread across the United States, with over 1,000 dairy herds affected since March 2024 and more than 70 confirmed human cases, including one death. Experts from the Global Virus Network (GVN) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are warning that the virus's ongoing transmission among animals could potentially lead to mutations, raising the risk of human-to-human spread. 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,' said Dr Sten H. Vermund, Chief Medical Officer at the GVN and Dean of the USF Health College of Public Health. 'The virus's ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.' The GVN has urged governments worldwide to take immediate steps, including improving surveillance, standardising testing, and rolling out vaccination strategies to protect both farm animals and workers in high-risk settings. What is H5N1 and Why is it concerning? Avian influenza A(H5N1) is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects birds but can also infect mammals and humans. According to the World Health Organization, when transmitted to humans, the virus can cause severe illness with a high fatality rate. Most human infections so far have occurred due to direct contact with infected birds or animals, or exposure to contaminated environments. Despite the outbreak's scale, the CDC maintains that the current risk to the general public is low. However, the agency advises that dairy and poultry workers, as well as anyone in close contact with animals, should follow safety measures. 'We are monitoring individuals with animal exposures closely, and continue to assess the situation carefully,' the CDC stated. The urgent call from GVN GVN experts stress the need for: Enhanced surveillance across both animals and humans Faster sharing of genomic data to track virus mutations Stronger biosecurity measures on farms Preparedness plans for diagnostics and vaccines Education for farm workers and the public on safe handling of poultry and livestock The GVN warned that continued spread among mammals could increase chance of genetic changes that could make the virus more transmissible between humans and if such changes occur, the world could face another pandemic threat. The CDC and GVN also emphasised the need for collaboration between countries, health systems, and scientific communities to prepare for and respond to the evolving H5N1 risk. 'Heightened vigilance, global cooperation, and early detection are absolutely critical in containing further spread,' Dr Vermund said.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Fresh Pandemic in US? New virus spreads in all 50 states amid ‘human transmission' concerns
Health officials and Global Virus Networks have raised alarms as the H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to spread rapidly across dairy farms in the United States since March. The outbreak has also infected humans with more than 70 human infections and at least one confirmed death, as per reports. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Pakistan reopens Attari-Wagah border to allow stranded citizens in India to return Key Jammu & Kashmir reservoirs' flushing to begin soon Air India sees Pakistan airspace ban costing it $600 mn over 12 months All 50 American states are reportedly facing an outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus this 2025 and experts have sounded an alarm over the possibility of a fresh pandemic in the US. Here are ten things you need to know about H5N1 avian influenza virus : -The United States is currently grappling with an outbreak of the H5N1 avian flu virus rapidly as it propagates throughout US dairy farms. The H5N1 virus is already leading to human infections, and experts are warning about the possibility of a fresh pandemic in the United States. -As of now, more than 70 human infections have been reported nationwide, with at least one confirmed death. The fatality occurred in January 2025 in Louisiana, where a 65-year-old man with underlying health conditions died after being hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms. ALSO READ: Kanye West reunites with wife Bianca to sue dentist for making him addicted to nitrous oxide Live Events -The continued presence of the virus in mammals suggests it could evolve to enable human-to-human transmission, according to the Global Virus Network (GVN). The organization emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, consistent testing protocols, and vaccination efforts targeting both farmworkers and animals. -"Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response," said Sten H Vermund, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, USA. "The virus' ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures." -Avian influenza A (H5N1) is a subtype of influenza virus that infects birds, and mammals and can also infect humans. According to the World Health Organization, infections in humans can cause severe disease with a high mortality rate. -Most human cases identified so far have been associated with direct contact with infected birds, animals, or contaminated environments. The virus does not appear to spread easily between people, and there have been no confirmed instances of sustained human-to-human transmission. ALSO READ: Trump quips about Pete Hegseth's controversies as Defense Sec faces massive heat for Signal Gate scandal -The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assessed the overall risk to the general population as low. However, they urge caution for individuals working in close contact with potentially infected animals, particularly in dairy and poultry industries. The CDC continues to monitor exposed individuals closely and encourages adherence to safety protocols. -H5N1 is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can lead to a spectrum of illnesses in humans, ranging from mild symptoms to severe, and potentially fatal, cases. Common symptoms include high fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and muscle pain. In some instances, individuals may also develop conjunctivitis or other non-respiratory symptoms. ALSO READ: JD Vance reveals the real reason why Trump removed Mike Waltz as national security adviser so soon -Sten H Vermund, MD, PhD, dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, USA, stated that 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response.' Citing the virus's capacity to infect both humans and animals, the expert said that proactive surveillance and quick reaction strategies are crucial. -According to the CDC, the outbreak poses minimal risk to the general public. However, they stress the importance of preventive measures, especially for individuals in close contact with infected animals
NDTV
01-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
H5N1 Outbreak In The US: Experts Warn Of A Potential Pandemic; Here's How It Spreads
The H5N1 bird flu virus has affected over 1,000 dairy herds across the United States since March 2024. This outbreak has also infected humans with more than 70 human infections and at least one confirmed death. The Global Virus Network (GVN) has warned that the virus's circulation in mammals can increase the risk of mutations that could enable human-to-human transmission. The GVN has urged world governments to take proactive measures against the H5N1 outbreak. They have also highlighted the urgency of enhanced surveillance, standardised testing, and vaccination strategies for both animals and farm workers. "Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response," said Sten H Vermund, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, USA. "The virus' ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures." Here's what you should know about H5N1 Avian influenza A(H5N1) is a subtype of influenza virus that infects birds, and mammals and can also infect humans. According to the World Health Organization, infections in humans can cause severe disease with a high mortality rate. The human cases detected thus far are mostly linked to close contact with infected birds and other animals and contaminated environments. This virus does not seem to transmit easily from person to person. There have been no reports of ongoing human-to-human transmission. H5N1 is a highly infectious respiratory disease that can cause a range of diseases in humans, from mild to severe. In some cases, it can also be fatal. The symptoms of H5N1 in humans include high fever, malaise, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. Some individuals may experience conjunctivitis and other non-respiratory symptoms. During the current H5N1 outbreak in the US, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asserts that the risk to the overall population is still low. However, they have urged individuals to take necessary precautions, particularly for individuals who are in close proximity to infected animals like dairy and poultry workers. CDC has also assured that they are closely monitoring people with animal exposures.
