U.S. Manages 36 H5N1 Outbreaks, First Human Transmission Reported, Vaccines Ready

May 1, 2024, 07:20 PM

The U.S. is currently managing an outbreak of the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has spread to at least 36 dairy herds across nine states, including dairy cows and cattle, with mild human cases reported. Federal health officials have reported the first known case of transmission from a cow to a human in Texas, raising concerns about the potential for human infection. Despite the outbreak, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and health officials maintain that the risk to the general public is low. They have implemented new measures to control the spread of the virus and are monitoring the situation closely, including updates on chickens. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health experts are also keeping a watchful eye on the virus's mutations and its ability to spread among humans. In response to the outbreak, the U.S. government has prepared two potential vaccines, ready to be deployed if the virus begins spreading easily among people. Additionally, there is no sign of H5N1 bird flu appearing in Canadian dairy cows.