#18,242
Today FAO/WHO/WOAH issued a joint statement - based on data as of July 18, 2024 - indicating that the threat from HPAI H5N1 to general public remains low, although the risks for occupationally exposed persons ranges from low to moderate depending on the risk mitigation measures in place.
This is essentially the same level of risk we've seen from the CDC and the ECDC.
The 12-page PDF - which lays out their rationale for this assessment - is well worth downloading and reading in its entirety. Due to its length, I've only posted the link and some excerpts.
Updated joint FAO/WHO/WOAH assessment of recentinfluenza A(H5N1) virus events in animals and people
Assessment based on data as of 18 July 2024
14 August 2024
Key points
At the present time, based on available information, FAO-WHO-WOAH assess the global public health risk of influenza A(H5N1) viruses to be low, while the risk of infection for occupationally exposed persons is low to moderate depending on the risk mitigation measures in place. Transmission between animals continues to occur and, to date, a limited number of human infections have been reported. Although additional human infections associated with exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments are likely to continue to occur, the overall public health impact of such infections at a global level is minor.
(SNIP)
Assessment of current public health risk posed by influenza A(H5N1) viruses49
1. What is the global public health risk of additional human cases of infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses?
Despite the high number of A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b outbreaks and detections in animals, and human exposures to the virus at the human-animal-environment interface, relatively few human infections have been reported to date.
Of the 35 human cases of A(H5N1) detections reported since the beginning of 2021 and five human cases of A(H5) in 2024, 36 were infections in people exposed to A(H5N1) viruses through direct or indirect contact with infected birds, or contaminated environments, such as live poultry markets or other premises with infected birds. The remaining four cases were infections in people exposed to A(H5N1) virus through direct or indirect contact with infected dairy cattle in the USA. Thus far, among these cases, there has been no reported human-to-human transmission.
Current virologic and epidemiologic information indicate that these viruses remain avian influenza viruses without established adaptations to mammalian hosts and have not acquired the capacity for sustained transmission between humans.
The epidemiological situation has changed with the incursion and ongoing spread of A(H5N1) virus in the USA dairy cattle population. Persons exposed to affected dairy cattle may be in prolonged and close contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and animal products. As long as A(H5N1) viruses continue to be detected in animals and related environments, including unpasteurized/raw milk, further human cases are expected, particularly amongst exposed individuals not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and/or in environments where mitigation measures are not in place.
Based on currently available information, FAO-WHO-WOAH assesses the global public health risk of influenza A(H5N1) viruses as low. Although additional human infections associated with exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments are likely to occur, the overall current public health impact of such infections at a global level is minor, considering the response, mitigation and control measures. However, while the risk of infection to the general public is low, among persons with exposure to infected birds or mammals or contaminated environments, the risk of infection can range from low to moderate, depending on nature of the exposure, the duration of exposure, the consistent and appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and the use of other response, mitigation and control measures particularly in environments where animals are kept.
The risk posed by these viruses requires vigilance and close monitoring. It remains essential that occupationally exposed persons are provided with and trained in the use of personal protective equipment and that mitigation measures to reduce animal to animal transmission, animal to human transmission and environmental contamination are in place in affected settings.
