First Human Death from H5N2 Bird Flu: Why Are Experts Concerned?

First Human Death from H5N2 Bird Flu: Why Are Experts Concerned?

Indian Express

Keywords: H5N2 bird flu, human infection, expert concerns, pandemic potential, poultry industry

The recent death of a 9-year-old girl in Cambodia due to H5N2 bird flu has alarmed health experts worldwide. Here’s why:

Limited Human Infections:

H5N2 bird flu is primarily a poultry disease, and human infections are rare. As of 2023, there have been only 10 reported cases of H5N2 infection in humans globally.

High Mortality Rate:

Of the 10 human cases of H5N2 infection, five have been fatal. This high mortality rate (50%) raises concerns about the virus’s potential to cause severe disease in humans.

Pandemic Potential:

Bird flu viruses, including H5N2, can undergo genetic changes that allow them to spread more easily among humans. This process is known as “avian-to-human transmission.” If H5N2 acquires the ability to spread efficiently between humans, it could potentially cause a global pandemic.

Poultry Industry Threat:

H5N2 bird flu has had a significant impact on the poultry industry worldwide. Outbreaks have led to the culling of millions of birds, resulting in economic losses for farmers. The spread of the virus to humans could further disrupt poultry production, affecting food security.

Expert Concerns:

Experts are concerned about the following aspects:

Increased virulence: The virus may be becoming more virulent in humans, as evidenced by the high mortality rate.
Genetic mutations: H5N2 viruses have been found to acquire genetic mutations that could enhance their transmissibility and pathogenicity in humans.
Lack of immunity: Humans have limited immunity to H5N2 bird flu, making them vulnerable to infection.
Public health preparedness: Many countries lack adequate surveillance systems and response plans to detect and contain potential outbreaks.

Preventive Measures:

To address these concerns, experts recommend the following preventive measures:

Enhanced surveillance: Monitor poultry populations and humans for signs of H5N2 infection.
Poultry vaccination: Vaccinate poultry to reduce the risk of outbreaks and virus shedding.
Biosecurity measures: Implement strict biosecurity measures on poultry farms to prevent the spread of the virus.
Public education: Inform the public about the risks of bird flu and encourage good hygiene practices.
Research: Conduct research to better understand the virus, its transmission, and develop effective vaccines and treatments.