The detection of a new human case of avian flu H5N1 in Oregon has raised alarm bells about the potential of this virus to trigger a pandemic similar to the COVID-19. As reported by the Oregon Health Authoritythis is the first human case recorded in the state during the 2024 outbreak.
The patient, whose identity has not been revealed, experienced a mild illness and is now fully recovered. “The person had only a mild illness and has fully recovered,” explained the Dra. Sarah Presentcounty public health officer Clackamasin statements collected by TODAY.
This case joins others reported in the USAwhere up to 52 human H5N1 infections have been confirmed in the states of California, Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Texas y Washington.
Most of these cases are linked to direct contact with infected animals, although authorities have recorded at least one case in Missouri without known exposure to wildlife, raising questions about possible yet unidentified transmission routes.
However, the Dr. Amesh Adaljaexpert of Johns Hopkins Center for Health Securityclarified that there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission so far.
For their part, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) They have assured that the current risk to public health is low. “No unusual signs of influenza activity have been observed among the general population, although emerging infectious diseases are unpredictable,” warned the Dr. Ian Lipkinan infectious disease specialist, stressing the need to maintain vigilance.
In Canadaa teenager is in critical condition due to H5N1, which represents the first human case in the country. According to the report of CBCthe young man began to present symptoms in early November and his condition rapidly deteriorated.
The Dra. Bonnie Henrythe province’s health officer, highlighted the seriousness of the case and warned that “in young people, this virus can advance and cause quite serious illness.”
Although the teenager did not have contact with birds, his interaction with domestic animals such as dogs, cats and reptiles was confirmed, which has expanded investigations to identify the source of contagion. So far, authorities have contacted between 35 and 40 people who had close contact with the patient, as part of containment measures.
Given the threat of H5N1, the CDC and other international organizations have issued recommendations to mitigate the risk of transmission. These include the use of personal protective equipment for workers on poultry farms and avoiding the consumption of raw milk. “Don’t consume raw milk, period,” Dr. Lipkin emphasized, noting that pasteurization eliminates the risk of infection.
In the area of vaccination, the United States is making progress in the development of specific vaccines against H5N1. According to Dr. Adalja, there are already candidate viruses that could be used to produce an effective vaccine, although there is not yet a mass immunization program underway.
In FinlandHowever, vaccines have already begun to be offered to people at high risk of exposure, such as poultry farm workers and fur workers. Reuters reported that the country acquired enough doses to immunize 10 thousand people.
Although H5N1 is causing concern, experts agree that lockdowns like those that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic are unlikely to be implemented.
“If H5N1 becomes a major health problem, we would have to talk about containment,” Dr. Lipkin said, although he doubted that the current administration would be willing to adopt such restrictive measures at this time.
Globally, attention is focused on preventing the virus from mutating in ways that facilitate its transmission between humans. So far, the lack of evidence of human-to-human transmission is a reassuring factor. However, experts insist that viruses like H5N1 are highly unpredictable.
According to the CDC, symptoms of H5N1 bird flu can range from eye redness and mild respiratory symptoms to high fever, severe muscle pain, extreme fatigue and shortness of breath.
In severe cases, the infection can lead to complications such as pneumonia or multiple organ failure. For this reason, health authorities emphasize the importance of agricultural workers, veterinarians and anyone in contact with animals following public health recommendations, such as the use of gloves, masks and constant disinfection.
The current outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, which affects both animals and humans, poses significant challenges to public health systems in North America and other regions. Although the risk of a pandemic is low at this time, surveillance, prevention and research are essential to contain its spread and protect at-risk populations.
