Just One Mutation Can Make H5N1 Bird Flu A Threat To Humans: Researchers

"California researchers say the world may be just one genetic tweak away from human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 bird flu virus — a worrisome mutation that could open the door to widespread human infections and possibly even a pandemic, according to some experts.

In a study published Thursday in the journal Science, Scripps Research Institute biologists determined that a single mutation of the hemagglutinin protein — the “H” in H5N1 — could transform a virus that has so far sickened or killed mostly birds and cows into a pathogen that targets cells in human beings.

The finding comes amid a growing number of H5N1 outbreaks among California dairy cows, as well as a state-ordered recall of raw milk products. Since the virus began infecting the nation’s dairy stock in March, infectious disease experts have warned that unprotected contact between dairy workers and infected cows could enable the virus to evolve in a manner that threatens humans.

Now, Scripps researchers suggest the path for such a genetic change may be much shorter than state and national health officers anticipated."

Susanne Rust reports for the Los Angeles Times December 5, 2024.

SEE ALSO:

"California Raw Milk Producer Says RFK Jr. Has Encouraged Him To Apply For FDA Position" (Los Angeles Times)

"All Raw Milk From Fresno Dairy Farm Will Be Cleared From Store Shelves; Cows Have Bird Flu" (Los Angeles Times)

"How the Messy Process of Milking Cows Can Spread Bird Flu" (New York Times)

"Opinion: Why The Threat Of Bird Flu Makes This Presidential Transition Problematic" (MSNBC)