Experts Warn of Growing Risks as Bird Flu Cases Rise [Video]

Key Takeaways

Most human bird flu cases in North America have been mildBut a Canadian teen’s recent case was severeExperts are concerned about mutations in the virus that may increase the risk of human-to-human spread

THURSDAY, Jan. 2, 2025 (HealthDay News) — A Canadian teen’s severe bird flu infection has highlighted growing concerns about the H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, which has seen a steady rise in human cases across the U.S.

According to a news release, the 13-year-old, who was hospitalized in November, had asthma and obesity but was otherwise in good health before catching H5N1. She became critically ill with multiorgan failure and required advanced life support, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous dialysis.

The teen recovered after aggressive treatment with three antiviral medications, but the source of her infection is still unknown.

“She had multiorgan failure and was horribly ill,” Dr. Megan Ranney, dean of the Yale School of Public Health, told CNN. …