World Health Organization Urges Preparation for New Potential Pandemic, H5N1 Bird Flu

Just when everyone has had about enough of Covid-19, a new potential pandemic surfaces.

Health experts from Europe and the US are directing attention to the growing spread of the bird flu, as concerns grow that the virus could potentially mutate and spread to humans. The H5N1 virus has already killed some- 208 million birds globally, and there have been reports of at least 200 cases of mammals, including otters, foxes, skunks, bears, raccoons, red foxes, cats, seals, and dolphins, contracting the disease.

It’s believed the animals were infected after consuming dead or sick birds contaminated with the virus, and although signs of bird flu mutation have been observed, scientists haven’t yet witnessed evidence suggesting the virus has jumped between species. Despite the fact that risk to the public is considered “very low,” public health officials are warning that the virus could continue to mutate and gain the ability to infect humans.

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However, “We cannot assume that will remain the case and we must prepare for any change in the status quo,” warned World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, as cited by Reuters. The WHO has recorded 830 cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus in the past 20 years, 457 of them being fatal.

“WHO is also continuing to engage with manufacturers to make sure that, if needed, supplies of vaccines and antivirals would be available for global use,” he added

Information for this briefing was found via Reuters and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.