02-05-2025
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.
