Since the outbreak of bird flu among millions of dairy cattle in the United States, there has been one reported human case. At least 220 people are being monitored and 30 have been tested for the virus. The Director-General of the UN World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the importance of testing and monitoring all those who have been exposed to infected animals to ensure they receive proper care. While the virus has not shown signs of spreading among humans, continued surveillance is necessary.
It has been determined that pasteurization kills the virus, as it has been detected in raw milk in the US. Pasteurization is a heat treatment process for milk that reduces the number of possible pathogenic microorganisms to levels that do not pose a significant health risk. The World Health Organization advises people to consume pasteurized milk to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. Despite the detection of the virus in raw milk, the public health risk of H5N1 avian influenza is assessed as low, and low-to-moderate for those exposed to infected animals.
The WHO has a global system in place for monitoring influenza through a network of centers, collaborating centers, and reference laboratories with the capacity to deal with H5 viruses. Additionally, the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework supports the rapid development and equitable distribution of vaccines in case of an influenza pandemic. H5N1 has spread widely among various animals, including wild birds, poultry, land and marine mammals, and now dairy cattle. Since 2021, there have been 28 reported cases in humans, with no documented human-to-human transmission.
The outbreak in the United States has affected 36 dairy herds in nine states, demonstrating the widespread impact of the virus among cattle. Despite the number of cases among animals, the risk to human health remains relatively low. Continued monitoring and surveillance are essential to prevent further spread of the virus and ensure that those exposed receive appropriate care. The World Health Organization’s emphasis on testing and monitoring those exposed to infected animals highlights the importance of early detection and intervention in controlling the spread of H5N1 avian influenza.
Overall, the WHO’s response to the outbreak of bird flu in the United States underscores the importance of proactive measures to protect public health. By emphasizing the benefits of pasteurization and the need for continued surveillance, the organization is working to mitigate the risks associated with H5N1 avian influenza. With ongoing monitoring and the capacity to respond rapidly to potential pandemics, the WHO is well-equipped to address emerging health threats and safeguard global health.
