CDC Identifies Rare Bird Flu Mutations in First Severe U.S. Case
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday that its analysis of samples from the first severe U.S. bird flu case revealed genetic mutations. The mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of the virus, are critical as this gene facilitates the virus's ability to attach to host cells.
The patient, a Louisiana resident over the age of 65, was hospitalized with severe respiratory illness. The case involved the D1.1 genotype of the bird flu virus, which has been circulating among wild birds and poultry in the U.S. This differs from the B3.13 genotype, found in dairy cows, human cases, and poultry in various states.
While the CDC described the mutations as rare, they have been observed in severe cases in other countries, including one from British Columbia, Canada. Despite these findings, the CDC emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low. No evidence of person-to-person transmission has been identified in connection with the Louisiana patient.
This case marks a significant development in the U.S. outbreak of bird flu, underscoring the importance of continued monitoring and research to better understand the virus's behavior and potential risks to public health.
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