Unchecked spread of avian flu virus raises red flags

Greek experts warn that the H5N1 avian flu could pose a severe public health threat after recent findings revealed its potential to infect humans more efficiently. The concern follows the first US death on January 6 in Louisiana, where a man over 65 with pre-existing conditions contracted the virus from his backyard poultry.

“This virus is nearing a point where it might adapt to human hosts more easily,” said Professor Athanasios Tsakris of the University of Athens Medical School. A recent study, he said, shows the current strain can bind to human airway cells more effectively than its predecessors. One mutation in its hemagglutinin protein could shift the virus’ preference from avian to human receptors, he noted.

The analysis by the CDC in the US of samples from the Louisiana case found mutations in the virus’ hemagglutinin gene, appearing post-infection. “This evolution highlights the virus’ unpredictable potential,” Tsakris added, warning “H5N1’s unchecked spread could yield a pandemic-capable virus.”

Kathimerini