Virologists Warn of Potential H5N1 Pandemic Amid Climate Change and White House Policy Concerns
Virologists are raising concerns about the potential for the bird flu strain H5N1 to cause a pandemic. While experts believe it is unlikely to infect humans on a large scale, countries are preparing vaccines and increasing surveillance as a precaution.
The most likely place for viral mutations to emerge is on farms, and if H5N1 becomes endemic in American cows, it could become a breeding ground for a pandemic strain. Climate change is exacerbating the spread of viruses like bird flu, making it too hot to wear personal protective equipment properly. Additionally, the new White House policy on funding for potentially dangerous research projects has been criticized for increasing the risk of research-related pandemics.
Hong Kong microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung has warned that another pandemic is inevitable and could be more damaging than COVID-19. Despite these concerns, a small study has offered some reassurance that bird flu is not spreading widely among farmworkers.
Tags: Health, Virus
