In addition to SARS-CoV-2, could people also be at risk from avian influenza? An emerging strain of bird flu called H5N8, which is considered highly pathogenic, is currently worrying scientists. In this regard, the authorities registered cases of its transmission to humans at the beginning of 2021. The new variant of theBird flu worriesfor this reason the scientific world and paves the way for new research.
Potential danger from avian influenza in sight
In an article, a team of Chinese scientists examined the emergence of a strain of bird flu that could lead to new pandemics in the future. However, he remains under control at this point. However, experts point out that local epidemics related to this flu (H5N1 and derivatives) have increased in recent decades. This is particularly true for poultry farms and therefore poses a threat to global health. As a rule, avian influenza and the majority of such viruses are not capable of infecting humans. However, one strain, H5N1 in particular, has managed to cross the species barrier. It is identified as a human pathogen and caused the deaths of six people during an epidemic in Hong Kong in 1997. For the highly pathogenic H5N8 subtype, its transmission from animals to humans has been almost non-existent.
However, recent events have brought a particularly worrying change to the situation. In their article, the study authors mention the infection with this strain of seven workers in southern Russia last December. Additionally, several outbreaks of H5N8 have occurred on farms around the world over the past year. This led to the slaughter of several million birds. The authorsthis studyalso state that there are 46 countries. “Highly pathogenic” and “particularly virulent” – this subtype of influenza can pass from one species to another. It therefore poses the risk of a catastrophic pandemic, which is why comprehensive surveillance may be crucial. The typical symptoms to be aware of are flu-like and include fever, cough and difficulty breathing, runny nose, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches, diarrhea and sore throat.
