Higher Mortality Rate than Covid-19
By comparison, Covid-19 had a mortality rate of 0.6 percent, making bird flu a significantly deadlier threat.
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This warning comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the first human death from bird flu in Mexico.
Not Person-to Person Transmission
However, local health authorities believe the 59-year-old patient died from other co-morbidities.
Wikimedia Commons user Yann Forget
Fortunately, there have been no confirmed cases of person-to-person transmission of bird flu.
Outbreak Among Cows
Nonetheless, the presence of the H5N2 strain in humans is causing serious concern.
Source: Monika Kubala/Unsplash
Recent months have seen a multistate outbreak of bird flu among cows in the United States, with three dairy workers becoming infected.
Cow-to Human Transmission
These are the first recorded instances of cow-to-human transmission.
Source: Daniel Jerez/Unsplash
In the latest case at the end of May, a farm worker experienced respiratory symptoms, a cough, and “eye discomfort” with watery discharge, but no fever, according to the Michigan health department and a CDC statement. The infected worker is currently recovering with antiviral drugs.
Symptoms of Bird Flu
Common symptoms of bird flu, as reported by the CDC include cough, fatigue, fever, headaches, muscle or body aches, runny nose, and shortness of breath.
Source: Freepik
While the situation seems under control for now, history has shown that viruses circulating in animals can cross over to humans, causing outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics such as Ebola, flu, or Covid-19.
Potential Bird Flu Pandemic
“I really do think it’s very likely that we will, at some time, it’s not a question of if, it’s more of a question of when we will have a bird flu pandemic,” Redfield told NewsNation on Friday.
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Researchers have identified that five amino acid changes in the virus’s key receptor could enable bird flu to spread between humans similarly to Covid-19.
“A Matter of Time”
“Once the virus gains the ability to attach to the human receptor and then go human to human, that’s when you’re going to have the pandemic,” Redfield added.
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“I think it’s just a matter of time.”
Nearly 900 People Infected
The spread of the virus among cows suggests it could mutate further, increasing its potential to infect other animals or humans, according to the CDC.
Source: Freepik
Since 2003, nearly 900 people worldwide have been infected with bird flu, with a mortality rate of about 50 percent.
Possible Overestimated Prediction
However, Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist Scott Roberts suggests Redfield’s prediction might be an overestimate.
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Roberts believes there could be many asymptomatic or mild cases, or instances where people haven’t sought care.
Preventative Measures
He also noted that if the virus spreads among humans, the mortality rate could be significantly lower with preventive measures, such as vaccines and treatments, in place.
Source: Freepik
Despite the low probability, governments worldwide must remain vigilant.
Wild Mammals Also Infected
Bird flu is now being detected in new animal species, with recent outbreaks in cows and sporadic infections in some wild mammals.
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“It’s natural to wonder if it’s only a matter of time before this virus is able to spread among humans,” Dr. Roberts added.