US Reports New H5N1 Bird Flu Cases, Urges Enhanced Surveillance
- The US has intensified surveillance for the H5N1 bird flu virus following two human cases.
- This increase in monitoring is in response to an ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle.
- Experts emphasize that without adequate surveillance, the risk of a pandemic could rise significantly.
In the United States, public health officials are increasing surveillance for the H5N1 bird flu virus due to recent cases in humans. Two individuals have tested positive for this virus, which has raised concerns about the potential for a wider outbreak. The ongoing outbreak of H5N1 in dairy cattle has prompted authorities to enhance monitoring efforts to prevent any human infections from escalating into a pandemic. Experts caution that without sufficient surveillance, there is a risk that cases may go undetected, which could lead to a significant public health crisis. Since 2003, approximately 900 cases of H5N1 have been reported globally, with a mortality rate of around 50%. The urgency for improved surveillance is underscored by the historical impact of the virus and the need to protect public health.