Experts are warning of a potential bird flu pandemic that could be “100 times worse than COVID,” following the discovery of a rare human case in Texas. The H5N1 avian flu strain has been rapidly spreading since 2020, affecting wild birds, commercial poultry, backyard flocks, and even cattle herds across multiple states. The virus has shown the ability to infect a range of mammalian hosts, including humans, making it a serious pandemic threat that is playing out globally.
The fatality rate for H5N1 is much higher than that of COVID, with around 52% of humans who have contracted the virus since 2003 dying. Symptoms of the bird flu are similar to other flu viruses, including cough, body aches, fever, and in severe cases, life-threatening pneumonia. Despite the high fatality rate, some individuals may not develop noticeable symptoms at all. A recent case in Texas involved a dairy worker who reported only experiencing redness in the eye, consistent with conjunctivitis, as their symptom.
While the CDC and US government are taking the situation seriously, they have reassured the public that the risk remains low. The infected dairy worker was in direct contact with cattle, and there is currently no evidence to suggest that the virus is more transmissible among humans. However, the discovery of the virus in cattle indicates a potential mutation, which could lead to rapid spread if the virus becomes capable of infecting humans.
Efforts are already underway in the US to test components for a vaccine for the H5N1 virus. Two candidate vaccine viruses appear to be well-matched to protect against the virus, should it mutate and become capable of spreading efficiently among humans. The Biden administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the health and safety of the American people, with a top priority of keeping communities healthy, safe, and informed in the face of this potential pandemic threat.
The European Food Safety Authority has warned that if the avian A (H5N1) influenza viruses acquire the ability to spread efficiently among humans, large-scale transmission could occur due to the lack of immune defenses against H5 viruses in humans. This highlights the urgency of ongoing surveillance and prevention efforts to prevent a bird flu pandemic. It is crucial to continue monitoring the situation closely and taking proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with the potential spread of the virus.
