Evidence shows the H5N1 bird flu virus could evolve to spread among humans, with current vaccines and treatments possibly insufficient. In short:H5N1 bird flu has infected farmworkers, dairy cows, wild birds, and various mammals, showing high pathogenicity. The virus could mutate to spread among humans, requiring rapid vaccine production and antiviral deployment. Vaccinating cows and farmworkers could limit the spread and reduce the risk of a new pandemic. Health experts are particularly worried about the virus’s ability to mutate rapidly, which could outpace current medical countermeasures.

Source: New York Times June 18, 2024 17:38 UTC