Public health experts in the United States have reassured the public that the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza A virus (HPAI H5N1) currently presents a low risk to the general population.
They point out that a combination of existing treatments, vaccines, and those still in the pipeline are sufficient to prevent severe illness.
However, officials from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the NIH, stress the need for ongoing vigilance and monitoring of this virus.
Urgent Need for Vigilance
In a recent publication in the New England Journal of Medicine, NIAID Director Dr. Jeanne M. Marrazzo and Dr. Michael G. Ison, head of the Respiratory Diseases Branch within NIAID, advocate for a thoughtful approach toward handling HPAI H5N1.
They encourage individuals to stay alert while continuing to participate in their daily routines.
HPAI H5N1 first emerged in 1996 and has since spread to at least 23 countries.
A significant shift occurred in late 2021 when the virus made its way from Europe to North America, leading to isolated infections in wild birds and poultry.
By 2022, it had reached South America, causing devastating effects on avian populations and marine mammals alike.
More recently, in March 2024, scientists from the USDA confirmed that the virus was present in dairy cows in the U.S., with reports of cases in 16 states.
In total, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) noted recent infections in dairy herds across three states.
There have been 66 confirmed and 7 probable human cases tied to H5N1 in the U.S. this year, along with a single case reported in Canada.
These human infections have originated from two variations of the virus: one prevalent in birds (D1.1) and another identified in dairy cows (B3.13).
Strategic Management Approaches
Drs.
Marrazzo and Ison propose a four-pronged strategy to effectively manage the ongoing threat posed by HPAI H5N1.
Firstly, they highlight the critical importance of fostering collaboration among various sectors, including human and veterinary medicine, public health, healthcare systems, and agricultural workers, especially those dealing with poultry and dairy.
Building trust is essential, particularly for individuals presenting symptoms like conjunctivitis who seek medical help.
Fortunately, most reported cases of HPAI H5N1 in the U.S. thus far have been mild and did not require any intervention.
Secondly, they reference a recent case in Canada where an HPAI H5N1 patient suffered respiratory failure and needed intensive medical care before recovering.
This incident underscores the urgent necessity for comprehensive disease surveillance.
Monitoring viral mutations can help assess the potential for human-to-human transmission.
Effective surveillance depends on the rapid sharing of complete genomic sequencing data from both human and animal cases.
The third key point involves advancing the development and evaluation of medical countermeasures, including vaccines and treatments aimed at H5N1 and other influenza viruses.
Luckily, current vaccine candidates seem to be effective against the strains circulating now, and antiviral treatments continue to prove beneficial in reducing both transmission risks and illness severity.
Proactive Risk Minimization
Lastly, the authors urge individuals to take proactive steps to minimize their risk of exposure to HPAI H5N1.
This includes utilizing personal protective equipment and being aware of the risks associated with working in environments involving poultry and dairy cows, in line with guidelines from the CDC and USDA.
By following these four strategies, researchers and public health officials aim to enhance their understanding of the dynamics surrounding HPAI H5N1, including its spread, evolution, and impact on both humans and wildlife.
The ongoing research is essential for safeguarding public health and mitigating future risks.
Source: ScienceDaily