The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for urgent action to track bird flu after confirming the first human case involving a child in the U.S. this week. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s pandemic preparedness chief, warned: \"Stronger surveillance in animals—wild birds, poultry, even dairy cattle—is critical to understanding this evolving threat.\"
Why Now?
H5N1, the virus behind bird flu, isn’t new—it’s been around since 1996. But since 2020, outbreaks in birds have surged *exponentially*, spilling over to mammals like seals and foxes. While human cases remain rare and mostly mild, the spike in animal infections has scientists on edge. Think of it like a real-life pandemic thriller, but with more chickens.
What’s Next?
Over 80 million poultry have died globally from the virus since 2020. Wild birds are also spreading it across continents, making containment tricky. WHO stresses: Preventing outbreaks in animals is the best way to protect humans. Stay tuned—this story’s still unfolding.
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