H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak

SOURCE www.barrons.com
The World Health Organization is alarmed by the spread of H5N1 bird flu to new species, including humans, with a high mortality rate. The virus has infected various animals and the concern is its potential to evolve and infect humans with the ability for human-to-human transmission.

Key Points

  • H5N1 bird flu outbreak began in 2020.
  • 463 deaths from 889 human cases recorded from 2003 to April 1, 2024.
  • Virus has infected various animals including cows, goats, and dairy cattle.
  • No evidence of human-to-human transmission yet.

Pros

  • Efforts are underway for the development of vaccines and therapeutics for H5N1.
  • Calls for beefing up monitoring and enhancing global readiness in case of human-to-human transmission.

Cons

  • High mortality rate for humans infected with the H5N1 virus.
  • Concerns about the potential evolution of the virus and its ability to spread between humans.