WHO Raises Alarm on H5N1 Bird Flu Spread

• 19 Apr 2024

On 18th April 2024, WHO expressed concern over H5N1 bird flu's spread to new species, including humans, with high mortality rates.

Key Points

• Avian Flu Outbreak Patterns: Most avian flu cases in India reported during post-monsoon to pre-summer season, reveals the study.
• Unexpected Susceptibility: Cows and goats infected in latest bird flu outbreak, surprising experts due to their presumed immunity.
• Global Zoonotic Pandemic: H5N1 strain becomes a global zoonotic animal pandemic, increasing risks for humans.
• Evolutionary Concerns: Virus evolution raises fears of human transmission, urging vigilant monitoring.
• High Mortality Rates: Mortality rates remain extraordinarily high in human cases, with a fatality rate of 52 percent.
• Human Transmission Cases: Second case of human infection with bird flu recorded in the US, highlighting potential risks from mammalian exposure.
• Urgent Preparations: WHO calls for enhanced monitoring, vaccine development, and global preparedness to tackle potential human transmission.