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Bird flu virus shows mutations in first severe human infection in US, CDC says | Bird flu
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday its analysis of samples from the first severe case of bird flu in the country last week showed mutations not seen in samples from an infected backyard flock on the patient’s property.
The CDC said the patient’s sample showed mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, the part of the virus that plays a key role in it attaching to host cells.
The agency said the risk to the general public from the outbreak has not changed and remains low.
Last week, the United States reported its first severe case of the virus, in a Louisiana resident above the age of 65, who was suffering from severe respiratory illness.
The patient had been infected with the D1.1 genotype of the virus that had been recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the US, and not the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, humans and some poultry in multiple states.
The mutations seen in the patient are rare but have been reported in some cases in other countries and most often during severe infections. One of the mutations was also seen in another severe case in British Columbia, Canada.
No transmission from the patient in Louisiana to other persons has been identified, said the CDC.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the first severe human infection of the bird flu virus in the United States, showing mutations that raise concerns about its potential to spread rapidly. The patient, who was infected with the H5N1 strain of the virus, was hospitalized in January and is currently in critical condition.
This development highlights the ongoing threat of avian influenza and the need for continued vigilance in monitoring and controlling its spread. The CDC is working closely with local and state health departments to investigate the case and track any potential contacts to prevent further transmission.
The bird flu virus, which primarily affects birds, has occasionally been transmitted to humans through close contact with infected poultry. While human cases are rare, they can be severe and even fatal. The mutations detected in this case raise concerns about the virus’s ability to adapt and infect humans more easily.
It is crucial for the public to remain informed about the risks of avian influenza and take appropriate precautions, such as avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and practicing good hygiene. The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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- Bird flu virus
- Severe human infection
- CDC
- Bird flu mutations
- Avian influenza
- H5N1 virus
- Severe illness
- Public health alert
- Influenza outbreak
- CDC report
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