A recent article by 2000Agro/Writing highlights the ongoing global concern over the A/H5N1 avian flu pandemic, which originated in 1996 and has since become the most widespread strain of its kind, spreading across various continents through migratory birds. This highly infectious strain has shown the potential for zoonotic transmission to mammals, including humans, though sustained person-to-person transmission has not been documented to date. The article emphasizes the importance of surveillance, detection, and preparation of healthcare structures to combat this threat.
The A/H5N1 strain, known for causing a mortality rate of approximately 60% in humans, has been the subject of concern since its initial outbreaks in the late 1990s, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 861 human cases and 455 deaths up to May 2020. The virus's propensity for mutation raises fears of future widespread person-to-person transmission. The article outlines preventative measures, such as avoiding contact with wild birds and properly cooking poultry products, to limit exposure. It also introduces Cellvera's new oral antiviral drug as a viable, accessible solution for treating influenza, including the A/H5N1 strain, underscoring the importance of having such treatments available for both preventative and therapeutic purposes.