CDC Reports Mutations A134V, N182K, E186D in First Severe U.S. H5N1 Case; Odds of Pandemic at 18%

Dec 27, 2024, 03:00 AM

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States, detected in a Louisiana resident, shows mutations that could enhance the virus's ability to bind to human respiratory cells. Genetic analysis of the virus samples revealed mutations in the hemagglutinin gene, specifically at residues A134V, N182K, and E186D, which may increase its transmissibility to humans. While the CDC has noted the potential for these mutations to facilitate binding to upper respiratory tract cells, it has confirmed that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The situation has raised concerns, with odds of the bird flu being declared a pandemic reportedly increasing to 18%. The CDC is continuing to monitor the situation closely as the virus shows signs of adapting to humans.