The WHO warned about the risk associated with the evolution of the avian influenza virus
Source: tass
The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the risk of the spread of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus for public health in the world as low. At the same time, as Wenqing Zhang, head of the WHO Global Influenza Program, said at a briefing in Geneva, this virus is evolving, and therefore the risk associated with it is changing.
"It is important to emphasize that the avian influenza virus is evolving, as is the risk associated with it. Therefore, it is very important to closely monitor what is happening. To do this, we must closely monitor and evaluate the spread and changes of the virus, as well as update our preparedness measures," Zhang said.
Referring to the recent outbreak of A(H5N1) on dairy farms in the United States, she noted that based on available information, WHO "considers the current overall risk to public health to be low." In turn, people who come into contact with infected birds and animals, as well as with an infected environment, may be at "low to moderate" risk.
The expert did not rule out infection of dairy cattle in other countries besides the United States through migratory birds. "Since the virus is transmitted worldwide through migrating birds, there is certainly a risk of infection for cows in other countries," she said.
Zhang recalled the WHO recommendation to eat pasteurized milk. The organization noted that, according to studies conducted in the United States, "fragments of the virus found in pasteurized milk are not contagious." At the same time, "ongoing sampling shows that raw milk fr om infected cows may contain a live virus that may pose a threat, especially to agricultural workers."
In places wh ere there are outbreaks of avian influenza, WHO advises local residents and tourists to avoid contact with animals on farms and markets, not to visit animal slaughter sites, not to eat raw or undercooked meat, eggs and milk, and wash their hands regularly and thoroughly.
Referring to the recent outbreak of A(H5N1) on dairy farms in the United States, she noted that based on available information, WHO "considers the current overall risk to public health to be low." In turn, people who come into contact with infected birds and animals, as well as with an infected environment, may be at "low to moderate" risk.
The expert did not rule out infection of dairy cattle in other countries besides the United States through migratory birds. "Since the virus is transmitted worldwide through migrating birds, there is certainly a risk of infection for cows in other countries," she said.
Zhang recalled the WHO recommendation to eat pasteurized milk. The organization noted that, according to studies conducted in the United States, "fragments of the virus found in pasteurized milk are not contagious." At the same time, "ongoing sampling shows that raw milk fr om infected cows may contain a live virus that may pose a threat, especially to agricultural workers."
In places wh ere there are outbreaks of avian influenza, WHO advises local residents and tourists to avoid contact with animals on farms and markets, not to visit animal slaughter sites, not to eat raw or undercooked meat, eggs and milk, and wash their hands regularly and thoroughly.
23.09.2024
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