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The world has not yet recovered from the threat of Corona virus, which has been wreaking havoc across the world since the beginning of the year 2020, and the danger of a new epidemic is looming. Amidst all this, experts are ringing alarm bells regarding the possibility of a bird flu epidemic. He says that this epidemic can be more devastating than the Covid-19 crisis. The H5N1 strain of bird flu may pose the most serious threat. Scientists researching the virus have indicated that H5N1 could trigger a global pandemic. It is getting 'dangerously close'.
It should be noted here that H5N1 infection has been found in various mammals including cows, cats, humans. After this scientists started researching this virus. This virus is spreading more easily between humans. The mutation of the virus has created concern. A report in Daily Mail said that the incident came to light when a person working at a dairy farm in the US state of Texas was found positive with the H5N1 virus. The report said the patient had direct contact with dairy animals in Texas, so he was suspected to be infected with bird flu. He is currently on antiviral therapy and recovering. This is the second case to test positive for influenza A (H5N1) in the US, following a 2022 case in Colorado.
The virus spread to animals in the United States
, Additionally, infection was reported in 12 herds of cows in six US states and 3 cats in Texas, which died due to the virus. America's largest producer of fresh eggs has temporarily halted production at a Texas plant after bird flu was found in chickens. Officials also say that the virus has also been found in a poultry farm in Michigan. Kelman Foods Inc., based in Ridgeland, Mississippi, said in a statement Tuesday that about 1.6 million chickens and 337,000 chicks were destroyed in Palmer County, Texas, after avian influenza was detected. However, the company said that the eggs currently in the market do not pose a risk of bird flu and they have not been recalled. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eggs that are properly handled and cooked properly are safe to eat.
'100 times more dangerous than Covid' According to the Times of India report,
Chief bird flu researcher Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi has warned that we are close to the brink of a potential pandemic caused by H5N1. He emphasized that the virus has already shown its potential. It has already infected mammals, including humans. According to the report, pharmaceutical industry advisor John Fulton has also warned about the danger of this virus. He said H5N1 may have mutated while maintaining a high mortality rate. This could make it a more dangerous pandemic than COVID-19. Fulton said it appears to be 100 times more dangerous than Covid.
52 percent mortality rate from H5N1?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has made a shocking estimate of the death rate from H5N1 based on data collected since 2003. Said that the death rate due to the virus can be up to 52 percent. In contrast, the death rate from Covid 19 is very low. Current cases since 2020 show that about 30 percent of individuals infected with the new strain of H5N1 have died. As the situation unfolds, the White House and health experts are urging increased vigilance and preparedness. The White House Press Secretary reassured the public that the health and safety of Americans is a top priority and that measures are being taken to monitor and prevent bird flu outbreaks.