Early last week, the World Health Organisation voiced concerns at H5N1 bird flu’s growing spread to new species, including humans who face an extraordinarily high mortality rate if infected. — Reuters picSINGAPORE, April 22 — Early last week, the World Health Organisation voiced concerns at H5N1 bird flu’s growing spread to new species, including humans who face an “extraordinarily high” mortality rate if infected.
Nevertheless, while humans have been infected with this flu strain — usually through contact with infected birds and livestock — there is currently no evidence to show that it can be spread from human to human. He also pointed out that the disease has remained endemic, with relatively low numbers of cases in humans, in this region.Dr Tambyah said that Singapore has remained free from highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza mainly due to its strict biosecurity measures and surveillance.
In 2019, Science Magazine, an academic journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, reported about controversial lab studies that modify bird flu viruses in ways that could make them more risky to humans. Nevertheless, Dr Tambyah said he believes such a scenario is unlikely, as there are renewed efforts to ensure good lab safety.