A prominent public health expert has issued a warning that the UK should prepare for a potential bird flu pandemic, as there are concerns the virus could transmit to humans. Professor Devi Sridhar, Chair of Global Public Health at Edinburgh University, has observed a pattern of mutations in avian flu that suggests it could eventually spread among humans. Acknowledging the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic, she emphasized the importance of being prepared to prevent high death tolls and disruptive restrictions. The ongoing bird flu outbreak in the UK, caused by the H5N1 strain, has already affected up to one million birds and there is growing fear of human transmission, with four poultry workers testing positive for the strain this year. During an appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Professor Sridhar highlighted the need to be proactive in addressing future outbreaks and ensuring minimal loss of life and economic strain. She expressed her motivation for writing her book, “Preventable: How a Pandemic Changed the World and How to Stop the Next One,” as a means to capture and remember the experiences of the COVID-19 crisis. Reflecting on the handling of the current pandemic, Professor Sridhar criticized the time wasted on debates instead of taking immediate action to contain the virus until vaccines and treatments were available. She stressed the need to prioritize both the protection of lives and the avoidance of restrictions that harm livelihoods and mental health. The potential for a bird flu pandemic has become a stark reality, with five cases of H5N1 infection reported in the UK since the ongoing outbreak began in October 2021. While there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission at this stage, the risk remains, and precautions are crucial. Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from a high temperature and muscle aches to respiratory problems and bleeding. It is important to note that bird flu strains do not easily transmit between humans, but mutations that enable easier mammal-to-mammal transmission could change the dynamics. The current outbreak of avian flu is considered the largest ever, and it primarily spreads among birds, particularly through migration. Strains such as H5N1 and H3N8 are currently causing concern, with H5N1 having already affected millions of birds globally and H3N8 being linked to the first recorded human death from the strain in China. While the risk to humans remains low, it is essential to avoid contact with sick or dead birds due to the lethality of the virus. Overall, proactive measures and vigilance are crucial in preventing the escalation of bird flu and its potential impact on human health and society.
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