Scientists are warning the bird flu virus may be able to more easily spread to human cells than previously thought. Researchers with Scripps Research Institute found it may take just a single mutation for this version of H5N1 to become capable of latching onto human cells.
In a study published on Thursday, Dec. 5, scientists noted that the virus could attach to people’s cells through proteins in a way much simpler than previously known.
A professor of infectious disease at Vanderbilt University called the findings “sobering” but points out the mutation has not yet been observed by other researchers despite repeated efforts. The authors of the study believe despite the lack of peer evidence that the mutation is likely already occurring in the current strain of bird flu.
The research comes as nearly 60 Americans have reportedly tested positive for H5N1. Although there is yet to be a confirmed case of human-to-human transmission.
As Straight Arrow News previously reported, the virus has spread to more than 700 dairy herds across the United States with California at the epicenter with around 500 infected herds.
Health officials are urging farm workers to wear protective equipment because most human bird flu cases have been people working directly with livestock. The Golden State also issued a statewide voluntary recall of raw milk on Tuesday, Dec. 3, after discovering bird flu contamination in retail samples of Raw Farm raw milk.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against drinking raw milk because of bird flu and other illnesses associated with its consumption.
