Health experts in Taiwan are calling for increased monitoring and preventive measures to address the potential risk of an H5N1 avian influenza pandemic. This comes after the United States reported its first human death from the virus earlier this week.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the virus found in the deceased individual had mutated, potentially allowing it to infect the human upper respiratory tract more easily. This comes amid a rise in H5N1 infections worldwide, particularly in the U.S.
Infection Control Society of Taiwan head Wang Fu-der (王復德) says that while H5N1 has been present for years without causing a pandemic, genetic mutations could significantly increase the likelihood of one occurring. He says that if the virus mutates, and humans lack immunity, it would be easier for infections to spread. Wang added that due to the ease of transmission through respiratory droplets and the global interconnectedness of the world today, the spread of infectious diseases can accelerate.
Wang urges the government to strengthen monitoring and prepare for a swift response should human cases be detected domestically. He also reminds the public to adopt protective measures, such as wearing masks and washing hands frequently, as well as wearing masks and taking precautions when handling poultry. However, he assures the public that eating thoroughly cooked poultry poses no risk of infection.