Latest news with #H5N2
The Star
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Philippines confirms first case of H5N9 bird flu
MANILA: The Philippines has detected its first case of the H5N9 strain of bird flu, according to a report released Wednesday (May 7) by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The infection was found in ducks from Camaligan, Camarines Sur, marking the latest strain of avian influenza to reach the country. The Department of Agriculture (DA), which oversees the BAI, confirmed that laboratory tests showed positive results for the highly pathogenic Type A Subtype H5N9 virus. Although the strain is known to spread rapidly and cause severe illness in birds, the DA stated that it poses only a low risk to humans unless there is prolonged and repeated exposure. First identified in the United States earlier this year, the H5N9 virus is believed to be a mutation of previously circulating bird flu strains. In the Philippines, local livestock have already been affected by other variants, including H5N1, H5N2, and H5N6. The last recorded outbreak occurred in January and involved the H5N2 strain in Camarines Norte, affecting 15 out of 428 backyard ducks, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. In response to the latest case, the BAI has rolled out immediate containment efforts in the Bicol Region. These include quarantine enforcement, culling of infected birds, heightened surveillance, and coordination with local government units and the Department of Health to monitor for any possible human transmission. The DA added that extended disease control measures are being carried out within a 1-kilometre and a 7-kilometre radius of the outbreak site. These include thorough cleaning and disinfection to curb further spread of the virus. As of April 25, avian influenza continues to affect four regions and eight provinces, including Kalinga, Benguet, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, Bulacan, Laguna, and Manila. The Philippines first reported bird flu in 2005 during a global wave of poultry infections. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
Emirates 24/7
07-04-2025
- Health
- Emirates 24/7
Is the World Ready for Another Pandemic?
Memories of COVID-19 are fading. For some people—frontliners and those who lost their loved ones—the impact still lingers. While the world has moved on, the important question still looms: What lessons have we learned? If another pandemic occurs where a cough, a handshake, or even a meal together could trigger the spread of a deadly virus, are we prepared? Some improvements such as improved vaccination technology, advanced healthcare systems, and awareness measures of disease transmission are in place. However, healthcare infrastructure gaps, misinformation, pandemic fatigue, and hesitation among people towards some preventive measures are still a cause for concern. Recent threats Several recent developments have raised concerns about another pandemic: Cattle farms in the U.S. were hit by H5N1 strain of bird flu. Individuals in contact with sick cows were also affected. A man in Mexico succumbed to the H5N2 bird flu strain, marking its first recorded human fatality. The WHO declared a public health emergency for mpox, which caused over 500 deaths. Oropouche virus (transmitted by insects) led to 8,000+ cases and two deaths since early 2024. Advancements in genomic sequencing Genome sequencing and disease detection have been advancing recently. The rapid identification of pathogens through advanced sequencing technologies has led to quicker responses to threats. It was genomic sequencing that allowed scientists to track the mutations of the COVID-19 virus, facilitating the development of effective vaccines. These advancements have been pivotal in understanding and fighting infectious diseases. However, despite these advancements, new diseases and mutated viruses continue to emerge. The UAE's proactive approach The UAE has taken a proactive stance in pandemic preparedness, learning from COVID-19. The nation's emergency management has a ready-to-implement plan for patient admission, transport, and medication storage. Globally, the WHO is negotiating pandemic agreements to ensure fair medicine distribution. Technology AI analyzes vast datasets to predict outbreak patterns, enhancing public health monitoring. A call to action Experts warn: "In 2025, the world is not ready to tackle another pandemic threat." Inequality in funding and vaccine access persists. Sustained investment and global cooperation are urgent. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Al Etihad
05-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Mexico reports first human case of H5N1 bird flu
5 Apr 2025 09:45 MEXICO CITY (Reuters)Mexico has detected its first human case of H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu, the health ministry said on infection was confirmed on Tuesday in a three-year-old girl living in the northern state of Durango, who remains hospitalized in serious condition."So far there is no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission," the health ministry said in a statement, adding that the World Health Organization (WHO) considers the public health risks of the virus to the general population to be low.A particularly severe variant of the H5N1 strain has been spreading worldwide in animals since 2020, causing lethal outbreaks in commercial poultry and sporadic infections in other species from alpacas to house cats. Last year, it was detected in cows for the first economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, primarily its cattle industry. Last year, the WHO reported Mexico's first laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with the A(H5N2) bird flu in a person who had no known exposure to animals and later died of chronic illness.
Reuters
04-04-2025
- Health
- Reuters
Mexico reports first human case of H5N1 bird flu
MEXICO CITY, April 4 (Reuters) - Mexico has detected its first human case of H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu, the health ministry said on Friday. The infection was confirmed on Tuesday in a three-year-old girl living in the northern state of Durango, who remains hospitalized in serious condition. Keep up with the latest medical breakthroughs and healthcare trends with the Reuters Health Rounds newsletter. Sign up here. "So far there is no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission," the health ministry said in a statement, adding that the World Health Organization (WHO) considers the public health risks of the virus to the general population to be low. A particularly severe variant of the H5N1 strain has been spreading around the world in animals since 2020, causing lethal outbreaks in commercial poultry and sporadic infections in other species from alpacas to house cats. Last year, it was detected in cows for the first time. Durango's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, primarily its cattle industry. Last year, the WHO reported Mexico's first laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with the A(H5N2) bird flu in a person who had no known exposure to animals and later died of chronic illness.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mexico reports first human case of H5N1 bird flu
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico has detected its first human case of H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu, the health ministry said on Friday. The infection was confirmed on Tuesday in a three-year-old girl living in the northern state of Durango, who remains hospitalized in serious condition. "So far there is no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission," the health ministry said in a statement, adding that the World Health Organization (WHO) considers the public health risks of the virus to the general population to be low. A particularly severe variant of the H5N1 strain has been spreading around the world in animals since 2020, causing lethal outbreaks in commercial poultry and sporadic infections in other species from alpacas to house cats. Last year, it was detected in cows for the first time. Durango's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, primarily its cattle industry. Last year, the WHO reported Mexico's first laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with the A(H5N2) bird flu in a person who had no known exposure to animals and later died of chronic illness.
