FDA Preparing for Possible Bird Flu Spread Among Humans: Commissioner

The Epoch Times Header

Authorities say avian influenza currently poses little risk to people.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is preparing for a scenario in which the highly pathogenic avian influenza starts spreading among humans, the agency’s commissioner said on May 8.

“This virus, like all viruses, is mutating. We need to continue to prepare for the possibility that it might jump to humans,” Dr. Robert Califf, the commissioner, told senators during a hearing in Washington.

The influenza, also known as the bird flu or H5N1, has recently started spreading among cattle and other species. One person in Texas has had a confirmed case this year.

So far, genetic sequencing and other data indicate that influenza poses little risk to people, and there are no signs that the flu is transmitting from person-to-person, according to U.S. officials. But they are working on getting treatments, tests, and vaccines ready in case that changes.

“We’ve been busy getting prepared for if the virus does mutate in a way that jumps into humans on a larger level,” Dr. Califf told the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee.

The patient in Texas primarily experienced one symptom: inflamed eyes. Neither the patient nor many of the cows that have been infected have suffered respiratory symptoms. H5N1 commonly infects the respiratory tracts of birds.

“The real worry is that it will jump to the human lungs, where, when that has happened in other parts of the world for brief outbreaks, the mortality rates have been 25 percent,” Dr. Califf said. The worry is based in part on how viruses typically mutate, such as in the case of COVID-19.

From 2003 to April 1, 2024, 889 cases of H5N1 have been confirmed across the globe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Of the patients, 52 percent have died.

WHO chief scientist Jeremy Farrar said recently that H5N1 has developed into a “global zoonotic animal pandemic” and that scientists are concerned that the virus could evolve to spread among humans.

Tedros Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the organization, said Wednesday that “the virus does not show signs of having adapted to spread among humans, but more surveillance is needed.”

By Zachary Stieber

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Columns

This is Not Democrats vs Republicans, This is Evil vs Good

Myself and so many other Christian conservative journalists and...

Elon Musk Exposes Democrat Dark Money Tied to New Protests

Trump and Musk fear Democrat’s graft and corruption of Federal dollars may exceed $1T with money having gone to foreign countries where it can't be traced.

Propaganda Wars: Corporate Media’s Pro-Seed Oil Blitz

Arguing against seed oil apologists is among the most tiresome exercises in futility. No matter what evidence you present to them, it won’t move the needle.

Why The Silence About The Slaughter In Syria?

In Syria, the Islamist regime conducted revenge killings targeting supporters of Assad. Militants killed innocent Muslims, Christians and religious minoritie.

“Trump to BAN the COVID Vaxx?! mRNA in Your Organic Meat?!” with Kim Bright

In this eye-opening episode of Man in America, host...

News

Dow Plunges Nearly 900 Points, Nasdaq in Correction Territory as Recession Fears Build

Wall Street navigated a fresh round of turbulence to kick off the trading week after President Donald Trump did not rule out a tariff-driven recession.

California Bill Would Limit Residents’ Ability to Use Deadly Force to Defend Their Property

A California bill that would restrict the use of lethal force to defend people’s property from criminals could be heard by a legislative committee March 24.

Air Force Fighter Jets Intercept Aircraft Flying in Restricted Zone Near Mar-a-Lago

Air Force fighter jets intercepted a civilian aircraft that flew in restricted airspace near President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, NORAD said.

ICE Arrests Palestinian Green Card Holder Who Led Columbia University Protest

U.S. immigration agents arrested a Palestinian student and permanent resident who led the pro-Palestinian encampment protest at Columbia University last year.

The Legal Loophole That Costs Medicaid Billions

Few seem to know how the Medicaid system works, what it costs, or the level of unnecessary spending hidden within its $880 billion annual budget.

Los Angeles Lost Track of Billions in Homelessness Funding, Audit Finds

An audit commissioned by a federal judge found that...

Columbia Vows Action on Anti-Semitism After $400 Million in Federal Funds Revoked

Columbia University is addressing concerns raised by federal agencies after $400 million in grants and contracts were revoked over anti-Semitism on campus.

China Intensifies Pressure as States Pass Laws to Counter Beijing’s Growing Influence

Chuck DeVore remembers when the FBI visited him some 17 years ago as a California lawmaker to tell him that he was under surveillance by the Chinese regime.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central