Rare Human Case of Bird Flu Detected in the UK; Public Risk Remains Low

Rare Human Case of Bird Flu Detected in the UK; Public Risk Remains Low

Prime Highlights: 

A person in the UK was infected with avian influenza after prolonged contact with infected birds on a farm in the West Midlands. 

Health authorities have stated that the risk to the general public remains low, as no person-to-person transmission has been detected. 

The individual was infected with the DI.2 strain of bird flu, which is circulating among birds in the UK. 

Key Background: 

A rare human case of avian influenza has been reported in the United Kingdom, sparking concern among health authorities. The individual, who was infected with the DI.2 genotype currently circulating among birds in the UK, contracted the virus after prolonged and close contact with a significant number of infected poultries on a farm in the West Midlands. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the patient has not transmitted the virus to others, and the general public risk remains low. 

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, emphasized that the case is “very rare” and occurred under specific conditions. She reassured the public that while avian influenza is highly contagious among birds, human-to-human transmission has not been observed. The infection was identified as a result of ongoing surveillance by the UKHSA, and no widespread threats to public health have emerged from this case. 

Despite this, concerns about avian influenza remain heightened due to elevated cases in wild birds worldwide. Experts, including Andrew Preston of the University of Bath, warn of the potential for the virus to evolve, possibly becoming transmissible among humans and leading to a global health crisis. This risk is particularly relevant following similar outbreaks in the US, where 67 human cases and one death have been recorded. However, no person-to-person spread has been detected in the US. 

To address the potential threat, the UK government is preparing by stockpiling five million bird flu vaccines for humans. Additionally, the government has extended biosecurity measures for bird keepers across England to help prevent further outbreaks. Jonathan Ball, a professor at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, stressed the importance of vigilance, proper surveillance, and quick isolation of any human cases to prevent further transmission. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they assess potential risks to public health. 

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
LinkedIn