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Avian influenza spreading in Japan, raising concerns about human infection possibility... Experts emphasize the need for early containment
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Summarized by durumis AI
- A study has revealed that the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has gained the ability to bind to human respiratory cells in Japan, raising concerns about human infection, but ferret experiments showed that droplet infection was difficult.
- However, due to concerns about the potential for viral mutations, the Japanese government has strengthened disease prevention guidelines for poultry farms, implementing measures such as culling infected poultry and ensuring safety through heat treatment of milk in distribution.
- While no human infection cases have been reported in Japan so far, experts are urging continuous monitoring and strengthening of response systems, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to prevent the spread of avian influenza and human infection.
Amidst the rapid spread of avian influenza virus in Japan, there are concerns that the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has acquired the ability to bind to human nose and throat cells, potentially increasing its infectivity not only in birds but also in human cells.
Not directly related to the article / Source: GPT4o
A research team led by Professor Yoshihiro Kawaoka (virology) at the University of Tokyo published these findings in the British science journal 'Nature' on the 8th. The team found that the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that has been infecting cattle in U.S. dairy farms has acquired the ability to bind to human respiratory cells. This indicates that the virus has an increased potential to infect human cells, not just avian cells.
However, the team stated that experiments on ferrets showed that droplet transmission between ferrets was difficult. In humans, it is believed that the virus is unlikely to spread rapidly, similar to ferrets. Nevertheless, Professor Kawaoka emphasized that "it is clear that this is a dangerous virus and it is essential to quickly contain it."
According to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection in cattle was confirmed in the United States starting in March 2024. While no human infections have been reported in Japan so far, experts are maintaining vigilance, concerned about the possibility of the virus mutating. The Japanese government is strengthening quarantine guidelines for poultry farms to prevent the spread of avian influenza and is taking measures such as culling infected poultry.
The Japanese government also maintains that they ensure the safety of milk sold domestically through high-temperature pasteurization. However, some experts suggest that the possibility of the virus being transmitted to humans through milk cannot be completely ruled out and urge the government to continuously monitor and strengthen its response system.
The H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has been reported to infect humans in various parts of the world, including Southeast Asia and the Middle East, since 2003. Human infection often leads to serious conditions, and most cases are believed to be due to contact with poultry or other animals. However, sustained human-to-human transmission has not yet been confirmed.
Currently, avian influenza virus infections are increasing globally, with cases continuously reported in poultry and wild birds in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. Experts express concerns about the possibility of human infection and emphasize the need to strengthen efforts to prevent the spread of avian influenza virus and human infection through international collaboration.
