Bird Flu H5N1 Spreads Globally, U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency with 14 Cases, $176M Moderna Contract

Jul 29, 2024, 12:03 PM

A virulent strain of bird flu, H5N1, is spreading globally and has reached the United States, with 14 reported human cases. The U.S. government has declared a public health emergency, citing the potential for a pandemic. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation, and there is discussion about the use of mRNA vaccines to combat the virus. Moderna has received a $176 million contract from the HHS to develop a new mRNA vaccine, and UPenn is also working on an mRNA product. The FDA is expected to issue an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for these vaccines. Experts are divided on the effectiveness of cow vaccines to halt the spread of the virus in U.S. herds. Dr. Eric Feigl Ding has warned about the high mortality rate of the virus, which is 50% among detected cases. The WHO has also highlighted the significant public health risk posed by avian influenza viruses. In California, health officials are tracking the avian flu outbreak closely, and Michigan has reported another infected dairy herd.