While there has been no sign of person-to-person spread of bird flu, researchers now say that a single mutation in the H5N1 avian influenza virus could enhance the virus’ ability to attach to human cells.
That could potentially increase the possibility of transmission among humans, according to a study led by a team of scientists at the Scripps Research Institute. These findings highlight the need for continuous surveillance of emerging mutations in avian and bovine clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses, said the study, published in the journal Science.
An editor’s summary attached to the study indicated in nature, the occurrence of this single mutation could be an indicator of a human pandemic risk. Public health officials say genomic analysis of the H5N1 virus have found no changes that would make the virus more communicable among humans. They say the risk to the general public is low.
