Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Jun 15, 2024 6:33:37 GMT
CDC 'preparing for the possibility' bird flu could spread more easily - Published June 14, 2024
Although there have been only three human bird flu cases identified in the U.S. thus far, the CDC is "preparing for the possibility" the virus could evolve and become a much bigger problem.
"Response activities include conducting surveillance among people with relevant exposures," A CDC technical report states. However, the agency added that the H5N1 avian flu circulating in animals still poses a low risk to humans, though there is an elevated threat to those who work with farm animals.
CDC Principal Deputy Director Nirav Shah recently said he'd like to see more testing of animals and humans for bird flu, but there aren't enough tests available, the Guardian reported.
The U.S. vaccine stockpile against bird flu currently consists of traditionally developed vaccines from GSK (NYSE:GSK), Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY), and CSL (OTCQX:CSLLY). Messenger-RNA-based vaccine makers Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA), Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), and CureVac (CVAC)/GSK are developing new shots.