By Inflame 
A new strain of avian flu, A(H5N1), has been found to exhibit a heightened ability to transmit through the air, although its infectious rate remains low. Researchers from Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands have identified this strain in polecats, minks, and a dairy worker from Texas, United States. The findings, published in Nature Microbiology, underline the importance of monitoring and containing the virus due to its potential adaptation to mammals, including humans.
Key Findings from the Study
The study revealed the presence of mutations such as PB2-E627K in the Texas strain and PB2-T271A in the polecat and mink samples, which facilitated airborne transmission among ferrets. Ferrets were chosen for these experiments due to their similarities to humans in influenza transmission and symptoms.
Using aerosol samples, the scientists compared six viruses, including H1N1 (2009), H5N1 from Indonesia (2005), and the newer clade 2.3.4.4b samples spreading rapidly since 2024. Results indicated that the recent strain sheds infectious virus particles more effectively into the air compared to older H5N1 variants.
Impact on Public Health
The new strain was reported in March 2024 to have infected dairy cows in the U.S., spreading across 695 herds in 15 states and infecting 55 humans through direct contact with poultry and cattle. While the airborne transmission rate is still low, the virus’s evolution raises concerns about its potential to adapt further.
The researchers emphasized that viruses capable of airborne transmission tend to replicate efficiently in the upper respiratory tract and release viral particles into the air more quickly than their non-transmissible counterparts.
UK’s Preparedness for a Potential Pandemic
In response to these developments, the UK has placed an order for over five million doses of human H5 influenza vaccines, produced by CSL Seqirus UK Limited. The UK Health Security Agency highlighted the importance of preparing for a range of influenza viruses that could pose significant health risks.
Meera Chand, Emerging Infection Lead at the UKHSA, stated:
“It is important for us to be prepared against a range of different influenza viruses that may pose human health risks.”
Conclusion
The emergence of this new A(H5N1) strain underscores the importance of global vigilance and proactive measures. Regular research, monitoring of viral evolution, and preparedness strategies, such as vaccine stockpiling, are crucial in mitigating the risks of a potential pandemic.