European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)’s Post

There have been recent alerts regarding new strains of influenza. One significant development is the detection of a new variant of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in the U.S. This strain, identified in Texas, has raised concerns due to its potential to infect humans, although currently, the spread appears limited to those with direct exposure to infected birds. In addition to avian flu, new strains of swine influenza viruses have been found in pigs, which pose a potential pandemic risk due to the possibility of these viruses mixing with human influenza viruses, leading to new subtypes against which the human population may have little to no immunity. The CDC and other health organizations are monitoring these developments closely and recommend heightened surveillance and precautionary measures, especially for those working in close contact with poultry and pigs. This includes avoiding contact with sick or dead animals and maintaining strict hygiene protocols. For the latest updates and guidance, you can refer to the CDC's official reports and advisories on their website.

The highly contagious H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been causing concern due to widespread outbreaks in birds. But is it the next human pandemic waiting to happen? H5N1 Threat: This strain is highly pathogenic in birds, leading to large-scale deaths in poultry farms. Human Transmission: While rare, human infections with H5N1 have occurred. The biggest worry is the virus mutating to spread easily between humans. How it Could Spread: Close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments (like farms) is the most likely way for the virus to jump to humans. Prevention is Key: Biosecurity in Poultry Farms: Implementing strict hygiene protocols in poultry farms is crucial to prevent outbreaks. Personal Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling poultry or visiting farms. Avoid Contact: Don't touch sick or dead birds. Cook Poultry Thoroughly: Ensure proper cooking temperatures (165°F) to kill any potential virus. Prevention is ALWAYS better than cure. If you experience flu-like symptoms after exposure to birds or poultry farms, consult VSH Hospital immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. To know more, visit VSH today. Your health is our priority. Call: 18003091001, +91-80-22277979 Visit: www.vshhospital.com #H5N1 #AvianFlu #BirdFlu #Influenza #Pandemic #Virus #Outbreak #HealthAlert #PublicHealth #Epidemic #Zoonotic #FluPrevention #Biosecurity #GlobalHealth #H5N1Update #Vaccination #HealthEmergency #AnimalHealth #H5N1Awareness #StaySafe #safe #safety #savelife #indianhealth #besthospitalinbangalore #superspecialityhospital #vsh #vydehisuperspecialityhospital #vshhospital

In this piece I am quoted about the implications of avian influenza infections in cows and the threat of these viruses more generally https://lnkd.in/emFtJiRq

The H9 virus has been the most common avian influenza virus in poultry farms for 3 years. 📊 it has been observed that the common virus that is constantly present in different seasons and months of the year in poultry farms is the low virulence H9 avian influenza virus. Samples were taken and analyzed from different poultry flocks infected with avian influenza, and the H9 virus was the most prevalent among these infections (as shown in the graph based on samples received by the reference laboratory within 3 years). This explains the rapid and noticeable decline in the performance of these flocks, as it affects negatively on the birds microbiota, allowing harmful bacteria (such as E. coli and Salmonella) to spread and multiply in the bird's intestines. and Mortality rates increase significantly in the case of a mixed infection between H9 and any other pathogen. Therefore, we always recommend to take this virus seriously because of its serious impact on the flock performance. #PoultryVaccines #VaccineValley #PoultryDiseases #AvianInfluenza #H9 

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus Infection Reported in a Person in the U.S. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) A person in the United States has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus (“H5N1 bird flu”), as reported by Texas and confirmed by CDC. This person had exposure to dairy cattle in Texas and is presumed to be infected with HPAI A(H5N1) viruses. Learn more: https://ow.ly/qUZ450R9tI0 #riskmanagement #riskmanagers

#AvianInfluenza: increased vigilance is recommended in the EU/EEA. While no infection with the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in humans has been recorded in the EU/EEA, we advise to continue raising awareness among healthcare professionals, both at primary and secondary care level, of the possibility of encountering human cases of infection. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗦 The advice comes after reports of infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI A(H5N1) viruses in dairy cattle in the United States this year, with four human cases reported among farm workers exposed to cattle since April. "As we closely monitor the current situation on avian influenza, both in the EU and globally, there is reason for increased awareness but not for increased concern" - underlines ECDC Director Dr Pamela Rendi-Wagner. "ECDC remains committed in our support of the actions taken by national authorities in the EU Member States. This threat to human health should not be underestimated, and it is important that we stay alert and proactive in our joint collaboration" - she added. 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘇𝗮 As part of its ongoing commitment to public health, we are implementing a comprehensive strategy to support the early detection and containment of potential human cases in the EU. Read more about the enhanced surveillance here: https://bit.ly/4eYp714 It is important to note that currently the risk of zoonotic avian influenza, i.e. human infections, for the EU/EEA remains 𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 and 𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝘁𝗼-𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀. We are monitoring the situation closely along with our European and global partners: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Medicines Agency, European Commission, European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), World Health Organization and CDCs across the globe. Read more in our article here: https://bit.ly/4coJuTf Interested in the topic? ➡ Find latest data and the #AvianFlu situation overview here: https://bit.ly/3zDBi3a ➡ Watch our animation on #AvianInfluenza: https://lnkd.in/d8scM4xs ➡ Listen to #ECDConAir podcast episode with ECDC's expert Cornelia Adlhoch: bit.ly/ECDConAir32

First lethal case of an H5N2 avian influenza infection reported in Mexico. The case, which was confirmed on April 24 and reported by Mexico IHR NFP a month later, was detected in a 59-year-old resident of the State of Mexico who had been hospitalized with fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, nausea and general malaise. No known history of recent exposure to birds or poultry animals was apparent. No contacts had been found to be infected with the same strain. Interestingly, the patient was bedridden at the presumed time of infection, suggesting that the virus may have been transmitted to the patient while in bed. Of note, several recent outbreaks of high pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI-H5N2) in poultry farms in Mexico have been detected in several regions of the country. #H5N2 #HPAI #Mexico #influenza #avianinfluenza #birdflu #health #globalhealth #publichealth #medicine #CDC #WHO

Yes, there is a risk of getting avian flu from drinking raw milk, and federal authorities recommend against it:  Risk of infection The H5N1 avian flu virus can survive in raw milk for at least five weeks in the fridge. Laboratory studies show that the virus rapidly declines when milk is heated, similar to pasteurization. However, the risk of human infection is unknown.  Outbreak In 2024, there was a widespread outbreak of H5N1 avian flu in dairy cows in the U.S. Symptoms in affected cows include reduced milk production, low appetite, and abnormal milk appearance.  FDA assessment The FDA says that the commercial milk supply is safe because of pasteurization and the diversion or destruction of milk from sick cows. However, the FDA is still investigating the outbreak and evaluating milk from affected animals.  Personal protective equipment To reduce the risk of infection for dairy farm workers, farms should implement the use of personal protective equipment, such as masks, face shields, and eye protection https://lnkd.in/eV7efvgk