The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the risk to the general population from H5N1 bird flu remains low, despite the first reported death from the virus in the United States.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sought to reassure the public about the risk of bird flu following the death of a patient in Louisiana, marking the first fatality from H5N1 in the United States. The patient, aged over 65 with underlying health conditions, contracted the virus in December after exposure to backyard chickens and wild birds, according to Louisiana health officials.
Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said, “We are concerned, of course, but we look at the risk to the general population, and it still remains low.”
Harris also acknowledged the extensive surveillance efforts in the U.S. “They are doing a lot of monitoring. That’s why we’re hearing about it,” she added when asked about the adequacy of tracking measures in the country.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 70 individuals, primarily farmworkers, have been infected with H5N1 bird flu since April. The virus has been circulating among poultry flocks and, in some instances, dairy herds. Like the WHO, U.S. federal and state officials maintain that the risk to the general public remains low.
Experts have been closely monitoring H5N1 for signs of mutation or increased transmissibility in humans. While the virus primarily affects birds, rare cases of human infection typically occur through direct exposure to infected animals.
The CDC continues to encourage poultry workers and others in high-risk environments to exercise caution and follow biosecurity measures to prevent further infections. Public health officials are also urging individuals to report unusual bird die-offs and maintain vigilance during outbreaks.
Despite the isolated U.S. case, the WHO and CDC stress that the general public remains at minimal risk, with ongoing surveillance efforts designed to detect and address potential threats promptly.
A highly accurate blood test that uses artificial intelligence to detect multiple cancers from just a few drops of blood is now entering clinical trials across the UK’s National Health Service.
Israeli and British scientists have developed a breakthrough blood test capable of detecting Parkinson’s disease in its earliest stages—before symptoms even begin—potentially revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment.
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro is in stable condition and will not require surgery, according to doctors, after he was hospitalized in northeast Brazil with abdominal pain.
Kyrgyzstan has joined the TB-Free Central Asia initiative, a regional effort launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and five Central Asian countries to eliminate tuberculosis and drug-resistant TB by 2030.
The Philippine government has imposed a temporary ban on importing both wild and domestic birds from Belgium after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed in the city of Sint-Niklaas. The Department of Agriculture announced the suspension on Monday, citing the need to p
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiyy said Kyiv cannot reclaim Crimea by force, as tensions grow over Trump’s peace plan proposal.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
Afghanistan is facing a sharp increase in measles and other diseases, with over 12,500 new measles cases reported in March alone, as its strained health system struggles to respond amid declining international aid.
A highly accurate blood test that uses artificial intelligence to detect multiple cancers from just a few drops of blood is now entering clinical trials across the UK’s National Health Service.
Bulgaria has seen a sharp rise in diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes, including Lyme disease and West Nile fever, with health authorities warning of an urgent need for stricter pest control measures.
Israeli and British scientists have developed a breakthrough blood test capable of detecting Parkinson’s disease in its earliest stages—before symptoms even begin—potentially revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment.
China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Haishen Medical Technology Co has developed the world’s first emergency medical rescue drone to enhance disaster response capabilities in extreme environments.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiyy said Kyiv cannot reclaim Crimea by force, as tensions grow over Trump’s peace plan proposal.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment