A recent case of H5N1 bird flu in Louisiana has drawn attention from health authorities after a genetic analysis revealed mutations in the virus that could make it more transmissible to humans, CNN reports.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the mutations likely arose during the patient’s illness, rather than being part of the virus circulating widely in birds or wildlife. Importantly, there is no evidence that the virus has spread to other people.
The patient, who was hospitalized with severe symptoms, contracted the virus through contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. Samples taken during the patient’s hospitalization revealed genetic changes in the virus that were absent in the birds, suggesting these mutations developed within the human host.
The mutations observed in this case are similar to those found in a previous H5N1 case in British Columbia, Canada. These changes may enhance the virus’s ability to bind to cell receptors in the upper respiratory tract, a key factor in its potential to infect humans more easily.
The CDC emphasized that these mutations likely emerged as the virus replicated in the patient with advanced disease, rather than being transmitted directly from the infected birds. Such mutations would be more concerning if they were present in animals or in earlier stages of human infection, as they could facilitate easier transmission to others.
“The changes observed were likely generated by replication of this virus in the patient with advanced disease rather than primarily transmitted at the time of infection,” the CDC stated in its analysis.
Despite these findings, the agency reiterated that the overall risk to the general public remains low. There has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission associated with this case.
The CDC highlighted the critical need for continued genomic surveillance of H5N1 in both humans and animals. Monitoring these genetic changes is essential for understanding the virus’s evolution and preventing potential outbreaks. The agency also called for stringent measures to contain avian flu outbreaks in livestock and emphasized the importance of protective practices for individuals who handle infected animals or work in contaminated environments.
While bird flu primarily affects birds, the H5N1 strain has occasionally infected humans, often through close contact with infected birds. Severe cases are rare but can result in significant illness. The Louisiana case underscores the importance of preventive measures, such as wearing protective equipment and minimizing exposure to potentially infected animals.
