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Sent from my M2010J19CI using Tapatalk
Alarm bells ring over H5N1 bird flu: Experts warn of pandemic worse than Covid
NEW DELHI: Experts are sounding the alarm over the potential for a bird flu pandemic that could be significantly more devastating than the Covid-19 crisis, with the H5N1 strain posing a particularly dire threat. According to recent briefings, virus researchers have indicated that H5N1 is inching "dangerously close" to triggering a global pandemic, with the White House saying it is actively "monitoring" the evolving situation.
Recent cases stirring alarm
The urgency of the matter was underscored by the discovery of multiple H5N1 infections across a variety of mammals, including cows, cats, and humans, which raises concerns about the virus mutating to become more easily transmissible among humans. This development comes on the heels of a dairy farm worker in Texas testing positive for the virus, along with infections reported in 12 herds of cows across six states and three cats in Texas that succumbed to the virus, a Daily Mail report said.
Expert opinions on the threat level
Dr Suresh Kuchipudi, a prominent bird flu researcher, warned that we are nearing the threshold of a potential pandemic caused by H5N1. He emphasized that the virus has already shown the ability to infect a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans, making it a formidable pandemic threat. Echoing this sentiment, John Fulton, a pharmaceutical industry consultant, highlighted the grave implications of H5N1 mutating while maintaining its high fatality rate, which could result in a pandemic far worse than Covid-19.
"This appears to be 100 times worse than Covid, or it could be if it mutates and maintains its high case fatality rate," Fulton said.
The H5N1 fatality rate
The World Health Organization has estimated the fatality rate for H5N1 at a staggering 52 percent, based on the data collected since 2003. In contrast, Covid-19's fatality rate is significantly lower, emphasizing the potential severity of a widespread H5N1 outbreak. Recent cases since 2020 show that nearly 30 percent of individuals infected with the new strain of H5N1 have died.
As the situation unfolds, the White House and health experts are urging for increased vigilance and preparedness. The White House press secretary assured the public that the health and safety of Americans are a top priority and that measures are being taken to monitor and address the bird flu outbreak.
Beyond the immediate health risks, the spread of H5N1 has broader economic implications, particularly for the dairy and poultry industries. With infected cattle showing symptoms and a requirement to cull infected birds, there could be a significant impact on the supply and pricing of milk and eggs.
‘100 times worse than Covid pandemic’: Experts on risk of H5N1 bird flu outbreak
Experts raised concerns over the threat of a new pandemic during a recent briefing where researchers discussed the H5N1 strain of bird flu.
Experts raised concerns over the potential rapid spread of the bird flu pandemic, which may lead to an exceptionally high fatality rate and can be “100 times worse than the Covid pandemic”, reported the Daily Mail, a UK-based tabloid.
The potential threat of a bird flu pandemic can be worse than Covid, say experts.
The report cited experts who raised concerns over the threat of a new pandemic during a recent briefing where researchers discussed the H5N1 strain of bird flu. The virus is approaching a critical threshold, and has the potential to cause a global pandemic, said scientists.
Dr Suresh Kuchipudi, a prominent bird flu researcher in Pittsburgh, warned during the briefing that H5N1 flu can cause a pandemic due to its ability to infect a wide range of mammals, including humans. “We are getting dangerously close to this virus potentially causing a pandemic,” he said.
“We are not really talking about a virus that is yet to make a jump, we are talking about a virus that is globally present, already infecting a range of mammals and is circulating… It is really high time that we are prepared,” Dr Kuchipudi said during the briefing.
Another expert, John Fulton, emphasised that the potential H5N1 pandemic could be extremely severe, making it far deadlier than the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fulton, who is a pharmaceutical company consultant, said, “This appears to be 100 times worse than Covid, or it could be if it mutates and maintains its high case fatality rate. Once it’s mutated to infect humans, we can only hope that the [fatality rate] drops.”
World Health Organization (WHO) data shows that 52 out of every 100 patients infected with H5N1 virus have died since 2003, making its fatality rate over 50 per cent. Meanwhile, the current Covid fatality rate is 0.1 per cent, dropping down from 20 per cent from the start of the pandemic.
Out of the total 887 reported cases of the bird flu virus, 462 deaths were recorded, according to WHO data.
The Daily Mail report came soon after outbreaks of avian flu were reported in a poultry facility in Michigan and an egg producer in Texas. Reports have also surfaced of dairy cows contracting bird flu, and the first documented case of a human getting the virus from a mammal.
'100 times worse than Covid': Scientists warn of deadly H5N1 bird flu pandemic
Experts have highlighted that the H5N1 pandemic could be much more severe than the Covid-19 pandemic.
Experts have raised concerns about the bird flu pandemic potentially spreading rapidly, with warnings that it could be far worse than Covid-19. According to the Daily Mail, during a recent briefing, researchers discussed the H5N1 strain of bird flu, highlighting its ability to infect a wide range of mammals, including humans.
Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, a prominent bird flu researcher in Pittsburgh, emphasized the virus's pandemic potential. “We are getting dangerously close to this virus potentially causing a pandemic,” he said.
“We are not really talking about a virus that is yet to make a jump, we are talking about a virus that is globally present, already infecting a range of mammals and is circulating… It is really high time that we are prepared,” Dr Kuchipudi said during the briefing.
Another expert, John Fulton, highlighted that the H5N1 pandemic could be much more severe than the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fulton, who is a pharmaceutical company consultant, said, “This appears to be 100 times worse than Covid, or it could be if it mutates and maintains its high case fatality rate. Once it’s mutated to infect humans, we can only hope that the [fatality rate] drops.”
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the H5N1 virus has resulted in a fatality rate of over 50% since 2003, with 52 out of every 100 infected patients succumbing to the virus. In contrast, the current fatality rate for Covid-19 is 0.1%, significantly lower than its initial rate of 20% at the onset of the pandemic.
WHO data indicates that out of the 887 reported cases of bird flu, 462 deaths have been recorded.
The Daily Mail report follows recent outbreaks of avian flu in a poultry facility in Michigan and an egg producer in Texas. Additionally, there have been reports of dairy cows contracting bird flu, as well as the first documented case of a human contracting the virus from a mammal.
China battles new 'mystery' virus outbreak five years after Covid pandemic
China is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, particularly HMPV, as winter approaches. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with fears of a healthcare crisis.
China is grappling with a surge of respiratory illnesses, notably human metapneumovirus (HMPV), as winter sets in. The outbreak comes five years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and reports suggest that hospitals and crematories are struggling to cope with the rising number of cases. Social media posts and online videos depict overcrowded hospitals, while some users claim that multiple viruses, including HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and even Covid-19, are circulating simultaneously.
A viral video claims to show a China hospital overrun with patients due to virus outbreaks.
The situation has sparked fears of overwhelmed healthcare facilities, particularly in children's hospitals, which are reportedly under strain due to a sharp increase in pneumonia and "white lung" cases, a term often used to describe severe pneumonia symptoms. While some have speculated that China has declared a state of emergency, there has been no official confirmation from either the Chinese government or the World Health Organization (WHO).
China's monitoring service in overdrive
In response to the surge, China's disease control authorities are taking proactive measures. The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (NCDPA) has launched a pilot monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin, which aims to better track and respond to the rise in respiratory infections, particularly during the winter months. This new initiative marks a shift in preparedness compared to five years ago, when the country struggled to contain the Covid-19 outbreak due to a lack of monitoring systems for novel pathogens.
A statement from the NCDPA released this week revealed that respiratory infections had risen significantly in the week of December 16 to 22. The NCDPA's new protocols require laboratories to report infections while disease control agencies verify and manage the cases, ensuring a more coordinated response to the current crisis.
Kan Biao, an official from the NCDPA, stated at a press conference that while respiratory infections are expected to increase throughout the winter and spring, the total number of cases this year is projected to be lower than in 2024.
Impact on children and elderly
The ongoing outbreak is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups, including young children and the elderly. Children, whose immune systems are still developing, are especially susceptible to severe symptoms, while older adults with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are at heightened risk of complications.
The symptoms of HMPV and other respiratory viruses, including fever, cough, runny nose, and wheezing, closely resemble those of the common cold or flu. In severe cases, HMPV can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in children. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and close physical contact, making it highly contagious in crowded settings.
What Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that commonly causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. It is most prevalent during the winter and early spring months. While the virus typically leads to upper respiratory infections, it can sometimes result in more severe conditions, particularly among young children and the elderly.
HMPV is transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces. The virus shares similarities with other respiratory viruses, such as RSV, measles, and mumps. Unlike Covid-19, there is no vaccine for HMPV, and antiviral treatments are not available. Most cases are mild and can be managed at home with rest and hydration. However, severe cases may require hospitalization, oxygen therapy, or corticosteroid treatments to manage symptoms.
ചൈനയില്* പുതിയ വൈറസ് വ്യാപനം?; ആശുപത്രികള്* നിറയുന്നതായി സോഷ്യല്*മീഡിയ, ആശങ്കയോടെ ലോകം
നിരവധി മരണങ്ങളും സംഭവിച്ചതായി അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര മാധ്യമങ്ങള്* റിപ്പോര്*ട്ട് ചെയ്യുന്നുണ്ട്. രോഗബാധയെ തുടര്*ന്ന് ചൈനയിലെ ചില പ്രദേശങ്ങളില്* ആരോഗ്യ അടിയന്തരാവസ്ഥ പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചതായും വാര്*ത്തകളുണ്ട്.
ബെയ്ജിങ്: ചൈനയില്* ഹ്യൂമന്* മെറ്റാപ്*ന്യൂമോവൈറസ് (എച്ച്.എം.പി.വി) പടരുന്നതായി റിപ്പോര്*ട്ട്. കോവിഡ് വ്യാപനത്തിന് അഞ്ച് വര്*ഷം പിന്നിടുമ്പോള്* ചൈനയിലെ ആശുപത്രികള്* രോഗികളെ കൊണ്ട് നിറഞ്ഞിരിക്കുകയാണെന്നാണ് സാമൂഹിക മാധ്യമങ്ങളിലെ പോസ്റ്റുകളെ ഉദ്ധരിച്ചുള്ള റിപ്പോര്*ട്ടുകള്*. നിരവധി മരണങ്ങളും സംഭവിച്ചതായി അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര മാധ്യമങ്ങള്* റിപ്പോര്*ട്ട് ചെയ്യുന്നുണ്ട്. ഇന്*ഫ്*ളുവന്*സ എ, ഹ്യൂമന്* മെറ്റാപ്ന്യൂമോവൈറസ്, കോവിഡ് 19 എന്നിവ ഉള്*പ്പടെ ഒന്നിലേറ വൈറസുകള്* ചൈനയില്* പടരുന്നതായും ചൈനയില്* നിന്നുള്ള ചില എക്*സ് ഹാന്*ഡിലുകള്* പോസ്റ്റ് ചെയ്തിട്ടുണ്ട്.
തിങ്ങി നിറഞ്ഞ ആശുപത്രികളില്* മാസ്*ക് ധരിച്ച് ചികിത്സയ്ക്കായി എത്തിയ രോഗികളുടെ വീഡിയോകളാണ് സാമൂഹിക മാധ്യമങ്ങളില്* പ്രചരിക്കുന്നത്. രോഗബാധയെ തുടര്*ന്ന് ചൈനയിലെ ചില പ്രദേശങ്ങളില്* ആരോഗ്യ അടിയന്തരാവസ്ഥ പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചതായും വാര്*ത്തകളുണ്ട്. എന്നാല്* ഈ വാര്*ത്തകളൊന്നും ചൈനയോ ലോകാരോഗ്യ സംഘടനയോ സ്ഥിരീകരിച്ചിട്ടില്ല. അതേസമയം ഉറവിടമറിയാത്ത ന്യുമോണിയ കേസുകള്*ക്കായി നിരീക്ഷണ സംവിധാനം ഏര്*പ്പെടുത്തിയെന്ന് ചൈനയുടെ രോഗ നിയന്ത്രണ അതോറിറ്റി പറഞ്ഞതായി വാര്*ത്താ ഏജന്*സിയായ റോയിട്ടേഴ്സ് റിപ്പോര്*ട്ട് ചെയ്തു.
14 വയസിന് താഴെ പ്രായമുള്ള കുട്ടികളിലാണ് എച്ച്എംപിവി കേസുകള്* പടരുന്നതെന്നാണ് വിവരം. ചൈനയുടെ വടക്കന്* പ്രവിശ്യയിലാണ് കൂടുതല്* കേസുകളും റിപ്പോര്*ട്ട് ചെയ്യുന്നത്. കോവിഡിന് സമാനമായ രീതിയില്* പടരുന്ന വൈറസാണ് എച്ച്.എം.പി.വി. ശ്വസനേന്ദ്രിയ സംവിധാനങ്ങളെ ബാധിക്കുന്ന അണുബാധയാണിത്. പ്രായമായവരും കുട്ടികളും പ്രതിരോധശക്തി കുറഞ്ഞവരുമാണ് അപകടസാധ്യതാ വിഭാഗത്തിലുള്ളത്. ന്യൂമോവിരിഡേ(Pneumoviridae) ഗണത്തില്* പെട്ട എച്ച്.എം.പി.വി. ആദ്യമായി സ്ഥിരീകരിച്ചത് 2001ലാണ്. നിലവില്* ഹ്യൂമന്* മെറ്റാപ്ന്യൂമോവൈറസിന് പ്രത്യേക ചികിത്സയോ വാക്സിനോ ലഭ്യമല്ലെന്നും വിദഗ്ധര്* പറയുന്നു.
'Quad-demic' threat looms as winter viruses surge across US
The United States is grappling with a formidable "quad-demic" this winter as flu, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus surge nationwide.
Health officials and medical experts warn of increasing infections in the coming weeks, fueled by holiday gatherings, seasonal travel, and weakened immune systems following years of pandemic-related isolation.
Viruses on the rise
The numbers paint a concerning picture. The flu has sickened an estimated 3.1 million people so far this season, leading to 37,000 hospitalizations and 1,500 deaths, according to the CDC.
Meanwhile, Covid-19 continues to infect millions, with 2.5 to 4.4 million cases reported since October, resulting in up to 120,000 hospitalizations. RSV hospitalizations have surged nearly 40 per cent over two weeks, and norovirus outbreaks have tripled compared to earlier this fall.
As per Daily Mail, Dr Joe Bresee, an infectious disease expert and former CDC official said, “We are in store for increases through January, with peaks varying regionally. These four viruses tend to rise simultaneously, creating a challenging public health environment.”
Masks mandate
In response, several hospitals and health systems across the country have reinstated mask mandates, particularly in regions with high viral activity.
Wisconsin’s Aurora Health Care system, New Jersey’s RWJBarnabas Health, and facilities in Illinois and Indiana have reintroduced masking rules for staff and visitors. Public health officials in New York City are also urging commuters to wear masks on public transport.
What’s driving the Quad-demic?
Experts attribute the uptick in infections to increased indoor activities, crowded holiday gatherings, and diminished immunity.
According to Fortune, Dr William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center explained, “Holiday parties, family reunions, and travel create optimal conditions for these viruses to spread.”
Adding to the challenge is a lag in vaccinations. Only 21 per cent of adults and 10.6 per cent of children have received the updated Covid-19 vaccine, while flu vaccination rates hover around 40 per cent, according to CDC data.
Unlike the respiratory viruses dominating the quad-demic, norovirus spreads through contaminated surfaces and causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea. The virus thrives during colder months and has seen outbreaks surge to levels not recorded since 2012.
Dr Robert Hopkins Jr, a medical director for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, stressed the importance of hand hygiene, particularly for preventing norovirus. “Alcohol-based hand sanitizers don’t defeat norovirus. Soap and water remain critical,” Fortune qouted Hopkins.
How to protect yourself
Health officials emphasise preventive measures:
Get vaccinated: Annual flu and Covid-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone six months and older. RSV vaccines are available for older adults and vulnerable populations.
Practice good hygiene: Regular handwashing, especially before eating, is crucial for avoiding norovirus.
Mask up in crowded spaces: Consider wearing a mask in public indoor settings, particularly in areas with high transmission rates.
Stay home when sick: Avoid spreading illness to others by staying home if symptomatic.
While the term "quad-demic" evokes alarm, experts say these seasonal surges can be mitigated with proper precautions. “We have tools; we just need to use them,” Dr Hopkins emphasised.
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