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.
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Rybelsus, an oral form of the GLP-1 drug semaglutide, has been discovered to provide similar cardiovascular benefits as the injectable forms of the drug.
The 19th MedExpo Kyrgyzstan 2025 has opened in Bishkek, featuring over 50 companies from 11 countries. The event serves as a key platform for medical advancements, presenting cutting-edge solutions in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology. The exhibition runs until April 3.
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U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
Leaders from Central Asia and the European Union will meet in Samarkand on April 4 for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, aimed at deepening ties. Talks will focus on trade, investment, green energy, and security — marking a new era of cooperation.
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