World Health Organization (WHO) reports

Bird Flu Spreads to Humans; WHO Warns of High Mortality Risk

Apr 19, 2024, 04:06 PM

Recent reports indicate a significant outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) affecting both avian and mammalian species, including dairy cattle, across multiple countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed severe concerns regarding the potential for high mortality rates and the spread to humans. Notably, a dairy worker in Texas has been infected, likely from cattle, marking a concerning development in the cross-species transmission of the virus. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been criticized for its minimal disclosure regarding the outbreaks, which has led to calls for more transparency and data sharing to better assess risks and coordinate responses. Additionally, the WHO and other health experts are urgently calling for increased efforts in vaccine development and preventive measures to address the ongoing crisis. Jeremy Farrar, WHO’s chief scientist, has labeled the situation a 'global zoonotic animal pandemic.' From 2003 to 2024, 889 cases and 463 deaths caused by H5N1 have been reported worldwide. In the U.S., 28 herds in eight states have been infected.