The united states is currently dealing with an unexpected epidemic of the H5N1 virus, often known as the Bird Flu Virus, after fighting the deadliest virus outbreaks in human history—SARS-COV-2, which caused COVID-19—for more than five years.
 
The deadly virus has already spread to all 50 US states, according to the most recent government data, which has caused widespread worry about a new pandemic. According to recent studies, bird flu, also known as Avian Influenza A(H5N1), is spreading to humans. This has medical specialists worried and raised concerns about the possibility of a new pandemic in the United States.


What is H5N1?
Birds are the main victims of the extremely contagious H5N1 subtype of avian influenza A.  Although it has been there for a while, a more aggressive strain surfaced in 2024, destroying chicken flocks and driving up egg costs.  Since then, the virus has infected humans, usually through contact with sick animals, and spread to cattle in 17 states. 

Why are scientists worried?
The significant increase in human infections, including those that did not involve direct animal contact, raises the possibility that the virus is changing to make human-to-human transmission easier.  Governments are being urged by GVN experts to improve biosecurity, bolster surveillance, and get ready for possible human-to-human transmission.
 
"The risk is further increased by the virus's continued spread in backyard flocks, wild birds, and hunted migratory species," they concluded.  The lessons learned from COVID-19 are reflected in their plea for "urgent, proactive measures."  


What are the symptoms in humans?

Bird flu symptoms can include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Pneumonia

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