The World Health Organization reported a nearly threefold increase in the number of dairy herds affected by the avian influenza virus, reaching 92 in 12 countries. During an online media conference, WHO Director-General Dr.

Tedros Ghebreyesus stated that the number of people under monitoring has more than doubled to 500, with human cases rising from one to three.

Since 2003, there have been 893 reported cases of H5N1 infections in humans, including 11 in 2024 so far, with five in Cambodia, three in the U.S., and one each in Australia, China, and Vietnam.

Ghebreyesus clarified that the virus has not shown the ability to easily spread among humans, leading WHO to assess the risk to public health as low at this time.

“That remains the case, which is why, at this time, WHO continues to assess the risk to public health as low.

“In recent years, H5N1 has spread widely among wild birds, poultry, land and marine mammals on several continents,” he stated.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that all individuals working with infected animals in any country should have access to and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety, according to Tedros Ghebreyesus.

“Early medical care and support, and thorough and timely investigation of every human infection is essential to evaluate and interrupt potential onward transmission between humans.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) is tracking various avian flu viruses in humans through its Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, and emphasized the need for enhanced global surveillance of flu viruses in animals to quickly identify potential mutations that could increase the risk to humans .

“These systems are only as good as the timely detection and the sharing of viruses and information.

“Collaboration, communication and information sharing between the animal and human health sectors is essential in all countries. This is the meaning of One Health,” the WHO DG said.

Wakadaily learnt that, In recent years, the H5N1 virus has spread across various species, including wild birds, poultry, land and marine mammals, and dairy cattle.

Avian influenza virus infections in humans can result in a range of diseases, from mild upper respiratory tract infections to severe and potentially fatal cases.

Additional reported symptoms include conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal issues, encephalitis, and encephalopathy.

Initially, Ghebreyesus stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) assessed the public health risk posed by H5N1 as low to moderate for individuals exposed to infected animals, and emphasized the agency’s global surveillance system, comprising 130 country centers, seven collaborating centers, and 12 reference laboratories, capable of handling H5 viruses.

“We also have the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework to support the rapid development and equitable distribution of vaccines in case of an influenza pandemic,” he mentioned.