The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a human infection with avian infl

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) (H5N1 bird flu) in a child in California. This is the first reported avian influenza H5 virus infection in a child in the United States. Consistent with previously identified human cases in the United States, the child reportedly experienced mild symptoms and received flu antivirals. There were low levels of viral material detected in the initial specimen collected, and follow-up testing of the child several days later was negative for H5 bird flu but was positive for other common respiratory viruses. The child is recovering from their illness. An investigation by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) into the child’s possible H5N1 exposure source is ongoing.

  • intensely_human@lemm.ee
    116·
    4 days ago

    Yeah so humans now have a virus that can make us sick. Same as before. Same as all of history. So what’s the danger?

    • atzanteolEnglish
      13·
      4 days ago

      It’s amazing to see this attitude post-covid still…

      It’s rather self evident is it not? Any new virus that causes illness and death is a new risk. This virus is still adapting to humans so we don’t know what the actual risk from it is yet though. That doesn’t mean we ignore it.

    • doctorskull@lemmy.world
      7·
      4 days ago

      Viruses can make human beings sick. This is dangerous for the human as it can result in them being sick. I hope this helps.

      • intensely_human@lemm.ee
        110·
        4 days ago

        So exactly what I said? It can make people sick. Most viruses give people the sniffles and then it’s over. We’ve all been sick, so a virus that can make people sick isn’t a new state of affairs. It’s the same situation we’ve lived in for thousands of years.

        • cheers_queers@lemm.eeEnglish
          7·
          4 days ago

          a lot of lifelong conditions are triggered by viral infections. fibromyalgia, pots, and much more. i have fibro myself and i can tell you now that you don’t want to chance it. why be reckless?

      • intensely_human@lemm.ee
        18·
        4 days ago

        High in birds you mean, compared to other bird diseases? Or are you referring to people? Is this not the first case?

        • Player2@lemm.eeEnglish
          6·
          4 days ago

          High in humans. This is not the first case, the concerning part is that the disease seems to be becoming more infectious to humans. There have been previous isolated incidents but the trends right now are very concerning.

            • raynethackery@lemmy.world
              2·
              3 days ago

              First reported infection in a child in the USA. The question becomes how was it transmitted. Assuming the child is not exposed to infected poultry, then another vector must be responsible. The real danger is the mutation of the virus into a human to human transmissible strain. If an effective vaccine can’t be manufactured quickly, many deaths are possible. Now, I see in your previous comments that you say we have been living with viruses for thousands of years. That is true but that shouldn’t stop us from protecting ourselves. The deaths may be just a statistic to you but every death is a tragedy for someone.