Scientists have expressed concern over the latest outbreak of bird flu in America. According to a report in UK-based tabloid Daily Mail, experts said bird flu is ‘100 times worse than the Covid pandemic’ as it could lead to a higher mortality rate.
Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, a bird flu researcher in Pittsburgh, told the Daily Mail: “We’re not really talking about a virus that hasn’t made the jump yet, we’re talking about a virus that’s taking over the world. levels, is already infecting many mammals and is spreading.” …Now is the time for us to be prepared.”
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Another expert, John Fulton, said, “It appears to be 100 times worse than Covid, or it could be if it mutates and maintains its high mortality rate once it is able to infect humans.” gets mutated to, we can only hope that [fatality rate] Drops”.
what is bird flu
The bird flu virus gaining attention today – type A H5N1 – was first identified in 1959. Since 2020, the virus has been spreading to more animal species, including dogs and cats, in many countries.
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Symptoms of bird flu are similar to other flu, including cough, body aches and fever. Some people may also develop severe, life-threatening pneumonia.
Is bird flu a concern?
Two cases of bird flu have been reported in America, in which the infection has spread to humans since 2022.
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Recently, a farm worker in Texas developed bird flu symptoms such as conjunctivitis or pink eye.
Bird flu threat
According to some media reports, avian influenza has caused serious or fatal infections in people who have close contact with wild birds or poultry.
Currently, H5N1 is not able to spread easily between humans, but scientists are alert to changes that could facilitate human spread and lead to a pandemic.
Bird flu: Growing outbreak raises risk of human infection, three UN agencies warn
Is there a bird flu vaccine for humans?
The US currently has a stockpile of bird flu vaccines matching the prevalent strains, as well as antivirals that can be used to treat human infections. Additionally, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has virus samples or “seed” strains that manufacturers can use to make more vaccines that closely match the circulating viruses.
Meanwhile, pharma giants like Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline are monitoring avian flu and are ready to develop avian flu vaccines as needed.
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Published: 05 April 2024, 08:58 am IST
