Bird Flu Strikes US: First H5N5 Case Confirmed

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a viral infection primarily affecting birds, caused by various strains of the influenza A virus. In rare instances, it has demonstrated the capacity to infect humans and other animals. Recent events highlight the seriousness of this disease, with a 59-year-old man in Mexico succumbing to the H5N2 strain in April 2025. Concurrently, the United States has reported its first confirmed human case of the H5N5 strain, underscoring the ongoing concern surrounding this pathogen.

Transmission of bird flu typically occurs through direct contact with infected birds or their contaminated environments. It can also spread via aerosols from sick birds or through the handling and consumption of contaminated poultry products. Symptoms in humans vary, ranging from fever and cough to severe respiratory distress and multi-organ failure, with some cases proving fatal. Preventive measures strongly advocate for strict hygiene practices, including thorough handwashing and complete cooking of poultry.

While bird flu poses a significant threat to avian populations and can cause severe illness in humans, the risk of a widespread human pandemic remains relatively low. Experts continuously monitor the virus for mutations that could increase human-to-human transmissibility. Currently, consuming poultry products is considered safe when cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius, which effectively neutralizes the virus.