Human infections risk from H5N1 bird flu virus currently low: WHO [Video]

The global public health risk of influenza A (H5N1) viruses is currently low, with infection risks for occupationally exposed groups ranging from low to moderate, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The global health body in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), released the joint assessment based on data that highlights that human infections primarily result from contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Despite an increase in cases, the total number remains low, with no significant impact on global public health. However, animal-to-animal transmission persists, particularly in regions lacking effective preventive measures, which places farm workers and others in contact with infected animals at variable risk, depending on local conditions and control efforts.

During a December 17 press briefing in Geneva, WHO, FAO, and WOAH experts detailed the global H5N1 situation and warned about the virus’s potential evolution.

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s expert on emerging diseases, …