H5N1 cases in humans and cattle reported in US, spark global health concerns

The Global Virus Network (GVN), an organization representing human and animal virologists from over 40 countries, has urged world governments to take immediate action and prepare for a potential H5N1 outbreak. 

In a call to action published in The Lancet, the organization warned that recent infections of H5N1 in dairy cows and humans in the United States have raised serious concerns about the virus’s pandemic potential.

Over 995 dairy cow herds and at least 70 humans have reportedly been affected. Concurrent reports suggest the virus is also circulating in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species – further amplifying the risk to both humans and domestic animals.

What is H5N1?

H5N1, also known as avian influenza or bird flu, is an influenza virus that primarily affects birds but can occasionally infect animals and humans. While it is not easily transmissible between humans, its high mortality rate in known human cases makes it a serious global health threat.

Humans typically become infected through close contact with infected birds or their droppings. This often occurs in live bird markets, farms, or while handling raw poultry without proper precautions. Experts warn that if the virus mutates to allow efficient human-to-human transmission, it could spark a global pandemic.

Symptoms in humans range from typical flu-like signs – such as fever, cough, and sore throat – to severe respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Some patients have also experienced diarrhea, encephalitis, and multi-organ failure.