Bird flu uptick in US has CDC on alert for pandemic ‘red flags’: report

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are closely monitoring red flags related to bird flu, with concerns that the illness could potentially develop into a pandemic. As of the latest update, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U.S. The CDC will be taking a holiday break and will resume updates on human cases on Jan. 3.

One of the key indicators that the CDC is keeping an eye on is the identification of epidemiologically linked clusters of influenza A(H5N1) human cases. This could suggest that the virus is becoming more adept at spreading between humans. The CDC spokesperson told Newsweek that they are specifically looking for genetic changes in circulating viruses that may indicate a higher transmission rate between humans.

The red flags being monitored by the CDC include outbreaks that are spreading from person-to-person and evidence of virus mutation. Last week, a patient in Louisiana who was hospitalized with severe bird flu illness was found to have a mutated version of the virus. This case fell into the red flag category, as the genetic mutations in the virus were not found in poultry samples collected from the patient’s property.

While the CDC stressed that there has been no known transmission of the virus from the Louisiana patient to anyone else, the identification of mutated versions of the virus raises concerns about the potential for human spread. Avian influenza, also known as HPAI, is highly contagious and can be spread through various means, including contact with infected animals, equipment, and caretakers.

State officials have confirmed infected flocks in two additional Michigan counties, highlighting the continued spread of the virus. However, the CDC maintains that the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low and assures that no birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain.

As the CDC continues to monitor the situation and investigate red flags related to bird flu, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Stay tuned for further updates from the CDC as they work to address this pressing public health concern.