WORLD — The recent outbreaks of avian flu in India have caused commotion in the scientific and medical community. Despite this discourse, the most important question remains largely avoided: are we prepared for another, deadlier pandemic?
Avian flu, also known as H5N1, is caused by Influenza A virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, pink eye, and potentially even pneumonia. Although typically spread by waterfowl and poultry, the disease has recently reappeared amongst humans working in close proximity with poultry in Cambodia, and has been identified in humans in other nations. Genetic analyses have shown that the strain infecting the two patients is not the same (less pathogenic) strain infecting poultry across North America. This is worrisome, as it epitomizes one of the factors that makes avian flu so deadly; although the rate of humanized avian flu is relatively low, Influenza A virus’ ability to quickly mutate through single nucleotide changes allows it to easily become zoonotic, meaning it can evolve to infect humans. This is also unfortunate considering the human mortality rate of the avian flu is 60%. The dangerous combination of mutation and mortality present in the avian flu makes it a major target for future vaccine research and development.
The virus’ zoonotic properties have already affected other groups of mammals, from bears to dolphins. Dogs, cats and cows have been reported to have been infected with the avian flu after coming into contact or eating the deceased bodies of infected birds. Most significantly, however, is an outbreak of the disease at a mink farm in Spain housing almost 52,000 minks. Minks possess receptors for both human influenza and avian influenza, creating a supposed ‘mixing vessel for the two viruses to improve upon their ability to infect humans. The type of animal infected is also a factor; for example, H5N1 viruses infecting chickens have a higher rate of mutation than viruses infecting, say, ducks.
However, despite theoretical threats to humans, is the avian flu a disease to worry about? As previously stated, human infections of the avian flu are sparse-- there have only been 868 laboratory-confirmed cases of H5N1 between January 2003 to 2023, with the rate of infections eventually slowing. Treatments also exist to reduce the severity of the disease. For example, infected individuals are given baloxavir and zanamivir, both drugs that are also used in influenza treatment. Seasonal flu vaccination is also important in treatment, to avoid the risk of being infected with human and avian influenza at the same time. Experts and national health organizations also agree that while human infections should be monitored, the issue mainly lies with the large waves of infection amongst birds and the effects upon the poultry industry, one of the largest livestock commodity industries today.
In conclusion, the recent avian flu outbreak in Cambodia seems to be a typical incident, but scientists and pharmaceutical manufacturers should certainly continue to keep an eye on any developments related to the virus.
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