USA report three additional suspected bird flu cases
Avian Flu Spreads Further in the USA; Three More Suspected Cases Among Poultry Farmers in Colorado
The avian flu is continuing to spread in the USA, with three more suspected cases among poultry farmers reported in Colorado. The CDC reported these potential infections with the H5N1 avian flu virus. "There are no signs of an unexpected increase in flu cases in Colorado or in other states affected by H5N1 avian flu outbreaks in chickens and poultry," the health department stated. All three individuals had mild symptoms. Workers who had been in contact with H5N1-infected birds in a poultry farm were the ones who had been infected.
The CDC has dispatched a team to Colorado to assist with the investigation. These cases are part of a widespread H5N1 avian flu outbreak that has affected various wildlife, poultry, and different animal species, including dairy cows in the USA. The outbreak among dairy cows in the USA is a cause for concern. In March, US authorities reported the first outbreak of the H5N1 virus in dairy cows. Since then, 139 herds have been infected in twelve states.
Scientists are concerned that contact with the virus in poultry and dairy farms could increase the risk of the virus mutating and potentially transmitting between humans. Moderna, a US biotech company, received a $176 million financing injection from the US government in early July to accelerate the development of its avian flu vaccine.
Inadequate Surveillance
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that inadequate surveillance of the H5N1 avian flu virus in animals could limit the ability to assess and contain the risk for humans. "To date, there have been no reported human-to-human transmissions, which is why the WHO continues to assess the risk to the general public as low," said WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "Our ability to assess and address this risk is, however, being hindered by the limited global surveillance of influenza viruses in animals."
The WHO urged all countries to strengthen influenza surveillance and reporting in animals and humans, exchange samples and gene sequences across borders, and invest in more research on avian flu and better protection for agricultural workers who come into contact with infected animals.
The devastating impact of avian flu extends beyond human health, also affecting global education. Many schools in regions affected by the outbreak have temporarily closed due to concerns about infectious diseases, disrupting the education of thousands of students.
Grippe, the French term for the flu, has garnered significant attention due to the ongoing H5N1 avian flu outbreak. The United States of America, along with other affected countries, is closely monitoring this issue to prevent the spread of the virus and potential mutations that could make it more infectious to humans.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is advocating for improved surveillance of infectious diseases in animals, including bird flu. This data is crucial for anticipating potential threats and developing effective responses, such as vaccines, to protect both animal and human populations.
