WHO Sounds the Alarm: Bird Flu Surveillance Needs a Boost 🦠🦅
Hey there, health-conscious amigos! The World Health Organization (WHO) just sent out a crucial message: it's time to step up our game against bird flu. 🕵️♀️
After the first case of H5N1 avian influenza was detected in a child in the United States, the WHO is urging all countries to increase surveillance. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention director, highlighted that a small but growing number of human infections have been popping up around the globe.
\"What we really need globally, in the U.S. and abroad, is much stronger surveillance in animals: in wild birds, in poultry, in animals known to be susceptible, which includes swine and dairy cattle, to better understand the circulation in these animals,\" she said.
Here's the scoop: H5N1 first showed up in 1996, but since 2020, it's been spreading like wildfire among birds and even some mammals. 🐦🐷🐄 Tens of millions of poultry have been affected, and while human cases have been mild so far, nobody wants to see this virus level up! 🚫🆙
So, what's the big deal? Increased surveillance means we can catch outbreaks early, understand how the virus is moving, and take action before things get serious. It's like being a detective but for viruses! 🔎🕵️♂️
Stay informed, stay safe, and let's all keep an eye (and an ear) out for updates on this developing story. And remember, knowledge is power! 💪📚
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
