World Health Organization (WHO) Warns About Possible Human Bird Flu Pandemic

Experts in the World Health Organization (WHO) have warned the world about a possible human bird flu pandemic. This announcement came after reports say the virus has transferred from birds to mammals.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus [Photo: The Sun]

According to Hillier, the possibility of this virus strain to transfer from birds to humans is still deemed as low. However, experts encourage countries across the world to observe infections in mammals. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated in a press conference held this week that in spite of the human cases still being low, the world must not be complacent that it will remain the same.

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How Bird Flu Affects Humans

An article on The Washington Post states that it is not common for humans to become infected with bird flu. However, if humans come into contact with either dead or alive birds that are infected, they may be contaminated by the infected bird’s feces or saliva. The infections a human can obtain from the bird flu can range from mild cases like conjunctivitis to more severe but rare respiratory infections. However, the bird flu does not commonly infect the human respiratory tract. This is because humans do not have the organs in their noses, throats, or upper respiratory tracts that are vulnerable to the bird flu strain.

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