As UK upgrades Bird Flu outbreak to level four, something is not right and governments seem to be concealing something
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 30, 2024 2 months, 4 weeks, 2 days, 17 hours, 12 minutes ago
H5N1 News: Elevated Risk: New Pandemic Fears Emerge
In a chilling development, UK health officials have elevated the pandemic risk of bird flu from level three to level four on a six-tier scale.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0ff6dfc8e12ac3edb03e4/AH5N1-risk-assessment-july-2024.pdf
As UK upgrades Bird Flu outbreak to level four, something is not right and
governments seem to be concealing something
The H5N1 virus, notorious for its ability to jump species, has recently made the alarming leap from cows to humans in the United States This surge in transmission has health experts on high alert, prompting a coordinated public health response to the deadly H5N1 strain. However, inside sources are telling is that the UK government s actually already making preparations as if the outbreak has already reached level six which signifies human to human transmissions. We are also hearing that the same preparations are also being made in various other countries including many European nations, Canada the United States and even China. But what is interesting is that the certain products such as antivirals and even certain supplements and herbal products are being stashed away only for the elites and politicians only while a variety of mRNA vaccines are being prepared for the masses.
Virus Jump from Birds to Cows and Humans
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has expressed grave concerns about the outbreak's trajectory. The UKHSA told various mainstream media and
H5N1 News outlets that despite rigorous biosecurity measures, the H5N1 virus shows no signs of abating. The situation escalated after four dairy workers in the US tested positive for H5N1, marking a significant and frightening development as the virus made its way from birds to cows and, ultimately, to humans. To date almost 10 humans have been confirmed to have contracted the H5N1 virus in Colorado United States involving 9 from two different poultry farms and one from a dairy farm. Many experts claim that the actual numbers are far much higher and that the state and federal governments are concealing the true extent of the outbreaks. Most of the affected farm workers were basically undocumented migrant workers hence it is even easier to cover up infections and deaths.
Uncertainty and Potential for Mutation
Experts are wary of the virus's potential to mutate further. While there is currently no documented evidence that bird flu can transmit between humans, the extensive spread increases the chances of such a mutation occurring. Dr Susan Hopkins, UKHSA's chief medical advisor, highlighted the risks, stating, "An outbreak of this kind can increase the opportunities for the virus to evolve to spread between people at some point in the future."
Government Measures and Public Response
The UKHSA claims that it raised the risk level due to 'sustained multip
le multispecies outbreaks' and a rise in human zoonotic cases. The leap to level five would signify larger human outbreaks without clear zoonotic links, and level six would indicate sustained human-to-human transmission. Dr Hopkins assured the public that the UKHSA is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to initiate an appropriate public health response if needed.
Global Preparations and Vaccine Stockpiling
Amid growing fears, several countries are preparing for the worst. In November, UK health officials revealed plans to stockpile vaccines in anticipation of a bird flu pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also on high alert, operating in a constant state of readiness for a potential influenza pandemic. WHO's Maria Van Kerkhove emphasized that current influenza vaccines are effective against the H5N1 virus circulating in cattle.
In June, the European Commission purchased approximately 700,000 doses of a flu vaccine manufactured by CSL Seqirus in the UK, with the option to acquire another 40 million doses. This vaccine is designed to protect against H5 strains of influenza A. Finland has already begun vaccinating high-risk workers at fur and poultry farms, and scientists at pharmaceutical giant Moderna are developing an mRNA vaccine against bird flu in the US. Even NATO has started stockpiling numerous antivirals and even supplements and herbs.
Bird Flu's Rampant Spread and Mutation Risks
Bird flu is spreading rapidly among wildlife globally and has now infiltrated cattle populations. This increase in transmission provides ample opportunities for the virus to mutate, potentially becoming more dangerous and capable of spreading among mammals and humans. Although there is no current evidence of human-to-human transmission, the high mortality rate in human cases remains a cause for concern. From 2003 to July 2024, 904 cases and 463 deaths from H5N1 have been reported worldwide, resulting in a staggering 51 percent fatality rate.
Scientists Warn of Imminent Pandemic Threat
Leading scientists have long warned that influenza is the pathogen most likely to trigger a new pandemic. While vaccines against many strains, including H5N1, have been developed, others are still in the pipeline. This month, US scientists announced the potential for a universal flu vaccine, which could be available within five years, offering protection against all forms of flu, including bird flu.
Some strange reports.
A number of reports have emerged about unidentified influenza A viral infections taking place in certain geolocations of South-East Asian countries and the same in certain Central and South American countries, all with fatal outcomes.
A recent report from New Zealand also reported about a couple getting infected with an Influenza virus and the wife dying while the husband is in ICU.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-nurse-maria-packe-leonard-dies-husband-john-leonard-in-intensive-care-with-flu-like-illness/TOMBSREEJVHO7MEEMOAQJRGE74/
A number of such cases are popping up and some are speculating that perhaps reassortant strains of the H5N1 with other flu strains have already emerged and are starting to spread.
Many experts also warn that the ultimate lethal and human to human transmissible strain is unlikely to be just H5N1 but rather a new recombined or reassortant that contains part of the H5N1 virus.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?
As the UK braces for a potential bird flu outbreak, the global community watches with bated breath. The elevated risk level and the virus's recent jumps across species highlight the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness. While governments and health organizations ramp up their efforts to combat this looming threat, the public must stay informed and cautious. The path ahead is fraught with uncertainty, but with proactive measures and scientific advancements, we can hope to mitigate the impact of this deadly virus.
Stay Alert and Informed
Stay updated with the latest developments on the bird flu outbreak and public health advisories. Follow official guidelines and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. The situation is dynamic, and staying informed is crucial in these uncertain times.
For the latest
H5N1 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/documented-case-of-ferrets-getting-infected-with-h5n1-in-poland-in-2023-finally-published-in-journal