The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, in Texas. The infected individual experienced redness of the eyes after exposure to dairy cattle presumed to be infected with HPAI. This raises concerns of a potential outbreak or even a pandemic in the human population. This is the second documented human case of avian influenza in the United States in 2022.
Avian influenza viruses circulate among various animals, including birds, swine, horses, dogs, and bats. Wild waterfowl are considered a natural reservoir for the virus, with infection being asymptomatic. However, transmission to other animals, such as backyard bird flocks or commercial poultry, can have devastating consequences. The ongoing global outbreak of avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 subtype, has raised concerns as the virus has also been identified in mammals like dairy cattle.
Compared to Covid-19, which caused a worldwide pandemic with over 700 million cases and 7 million deaths, HPAI has some differences that make a global pandemic less likely. The highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype, H5N1, was first identified in 1996 in China, resulting in more than 850 human infections with a mortality rate over 50%. Researchers and public health officials have been studying the virus for nearly three decades, gaining valuable insights into its transmission and potential treatments.
Some existing flu tests can detect avian influenza strains, including H5N1, but may not be able to subtype the virus accurately. The CDC is collaborating with test manufacturers to develop specific tests for highly pathogenic avian influenza strains. Researchers have been working on a candidate vaccine against H5N1, which has shown promising results in eliciting a robust immune response. Additionally, FDA-approved antiviral medications used to treat human influenza have been found to be effective against HPAI.
While the current risk of a human outbreak of HPAI is low, there are preventive measures individuals can take. Avoiding contact with sick animals, especially birds or cattle, wearing protective gear if necessary, and getting tested for influenza if exposed to potentially infected animals are crucial steps. Early detection and reporting of symptoms such as sore throat, cough, fever, body aches, or conjunctivitis can help prevent the spread of avian influenza in humans. Researchers and public health officials are monitoring the situation closely to prevent a potential outbreak or pandemic.
