H5N1 outbreak: Top virologists call for immediate action to mitigate the threat of avian flu

Health experts have called on world governments to immediately address the growing concerns of the H5N1 outbreak in the US. 

The Global Virus Network (GVN), representing human and animal virologists from across the globe, published a comprehensive analysis in The Lancet Regional Health—Americas on the North American avian influenza virus, or H5N1, outbreak. 

"The virus’ ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures," said Sten H. Vermund, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, USA.

As per the report, the H5N1 avian flu has affected nearly 1000 dairy cow herds and resulted in more than 70 human cases, including the first confirmed death in the U.S. 

What is H5N1 influenza?

As per WHO, H5N1 is one of several influenza viruses that causes a highly infectious respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza (or "bird flu"). Infections in mammals, including humans, have also been documented.

H5N1 influenza virus infection can cause a range of diseases in humans, from mild to severe and in some cases, it can even be fatal. 

Symptoms of H5N1 infection in humans:

The symptoms of H5N1 infection may include fever (often high fever, > 38°C) and malaise, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. Other early symptoms may include conjunctivitis and other non-respiratory symptoms. The infection may progress quickly to severe respiratory illness and neurologic changes (altered mental status or seizures). H5N1 virus has also been detected in samples collected from people without symptoms who had exposure to infected animals or their environments, mentioned WHO. 

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