Scientists warn of the risk of a bird flu pandemic more dangerous than COVID-19

The world may face a new pandemic caused by bird flu, which in terms of scale and severity of consequences could surpasscovid-19 . This was stated by Marie-Anne Ramey-Welti, DIRECTOR of the Center for Respiratory Infections at the Pasteur Institute in France. This was reported byREUTERS .

The highly pathogenic H5 virus has already caused significant damage. it has killed hundreds of millions of birds worldwide, disrupted food supplies, and driven up prices. However, experts believe the main danger lies in the potential mutation of the virus, allowing it to spread from person to person.

"We fear that the virus will adapt to mammals, and humans in particular, and become capable of human-to-human transmission," explained Ramey-Welty. Unlike the CORONAVIRUS, which primarily affected vulnerable populations, influenza viruses can cause severe illness even in healthy individuals, including children.

According to the WHO, from 2003 to 2025, nearly 1,000 human cases of avian influenza were recorded in 23 countries, including Egypt , Indonesia, and Vietnam . Nearly half of these cases (48%) were fatal. The first fatal human case of the H5N5 strain was recently reported in Washington state.

Despite alarming forecasts, the current risk of a pandemic is assessed as low. Gregorio Torres, HEAD of the scientific department at the World Organisation for Animal HEALTH, asserts: "The risk of a pandemic exists, but the probability is low. You can safely walk in the forest, eat chicken and eggs , and enjoy life."

Rameix-Welti notes that the world is now better prepared for such threats. Vaccine prototypes have already been developed, antiviral drug stockpiles have been created, and rapid drug production technologies have been honed during the coronavirus pandemic.

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