First serious case of bird flu in the United States

A man in Louisiana has the A/H1N virus, but the risk to public health remains low.

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The Notizie.it editorial team

Posted on December 18, 2024 at 8:17 p.m.

First serious case of A/H1N bird flu in the United States

The first serious case of avian flu caused by the A/H1N virus in humans has been recorded in the United States. This individual, residing in Louisiana, contracted the infection from infected birds present in the yard of his home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that no person-to-person transmission of H5 avian influenza has been detected, keeping the overall public health risk assessment low.

The current situation and the risk of contagion

The case in question does not represent the feared species jump, in which an animal virus genetically modifies itself to infect humans and spread from person to person. Currently, the A/H1N virus has been shown to transmit effectively between birds and some mammal species, but not between humans. This is crucial for public health, as the immediate risk remains low.

Genetic analysis and viral genotypes

The genome of the virus detected in the man hospitalized in Louisiana belongs to the D1.1 genotype, related to other viruses recently identified in wild birds and poultry in the United States. This genotype is different from the B3.13 genotype, which has been found in dairy cows and in sporadic human cases. The CDC emphasized that in addition to commercial poultry and dairy farms, wild birds and backyard flocks can also be a source of exposure to humans.

In summary, although the first serious case of A/H1N avian influenza in the United States raises concerns, health authorities continue to monitor the situation without alarm. Careful monitoring and preventive measures remain essential to ensure the safety of the population.