WHO reports and global health news

CDC Watches H5N1 Bird Flu for Pandemic Signs After 65 Cases, California Emergency

Dec 30, 2024, 08:27 PM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring for signs that the bird flu virus, specifically the H5N1 strain, could be on the verge of causing a global pandemic. This heightened alert comes after the first severe human case of bird flu was reported in Louisiana, where genetic analysis indicated the virus had mutated, potentially increasing its transmissibility to humans. The CDC is particularly concerned about any outbreaks of bird flu spreading from person-to-person and evidence of further mutations that could enhance human-to-human transmission. Despite these concerns, the agency maintains that the current risk to the general public remains low. The CDC is actively tracking global avian influenza infections and collaborating with state partners to detect any signs of person-to-person spread. Around 65 bird flu cases have been recorded in 10 states, with California declaring a state of emergency in response to the outbreak. The infection has been detected in 10,917 birds across 51 jurisdictions. Additionally, the U.S. has two H5N1 vaccines ready, pending FDA approval, as part of preparations for a potential wider outbreak or pandemic.