What next? Avian flu.
The mortality rate for humans infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus is high, with about 50% of confirmed cases resulting in death globally.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
High Mortality:
Since 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that roughly half of the confirmed human cases of H5N1 have resulted in death. (For Covid 19, in NYC it was reported as 1.4 percent per Worldometer, 2024.)
Global Cases:
Globally, from January 1, 2003, to December 27, 2024, there have been 904 cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) reported from 24 countries, with 464 deaths.
US Case:
In the United States, there has been one death from H5N1 bird flu, with 70 confirmed cases to date.
Risk Factors:
People who work with poultry or waterfowl, livestock, or have contact with infected animals' body fluids are at higher risk.
Pre-existing immunity:
Recent studies have reported that ferrets previously infected with seasonal influenza A(H1N1) virus had less severe illness from H5N1 bird flu, according to the CDC.
Prevention:
To reduce your risk of bird flu, wear protective clothing when working with birds, wild animals, and livestock, wash your hands frequently, and avoid contact with animals who've been exposed to avian influenza.
Treatment:
Flu antiviral drugs can treat avian influenza A virus infections, and people who develop bird flu symptoms following exposure to infected animals should receive treatment with flu antivirals (oseltamivir) as soon as possible.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
High Mortality:
Since 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that roughly half of the confirmed human cases of H5N1 have resulted in death. (For Covid 19, in NYC it was reported as 1.4 percent per Worldometer, 2024.)
Global Cases:
Globally, from January 1, 2003, to December 27, 2024, there have been 904 cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) reported from 24 countries, with 464 deaths.
US Case:
In the United States, there has been one death from H5N1 bird flu, with 70 confirmed cases to date.
Risk Factors:
People who work with poultry or waterfowl, livestock, or have contact with infected animals' body fluids are at higher risk.
Pre-existing immunity:
Recent studies have reported that ferrets previously infected with seasonal influenza A(H1N1) virus had less severe illness from H5N1 bird flu, according to the CDC.
Prevention:
To reduce your risk of bird flu, wear protective clothing when working with birds, wild animals, and livestock, wash your hands frequently, and avoid contact with animals who've been exposed to avian influenza.
Treatment:
Flu antiviral drugs can treat avian influenza A virus infections, and people who develop bird flu symptoms following exposure to infected animals should receive treatment with flu antivirals (oseltamivir) as soon as possible.
