MADRID (EFE).— The detection of the H5N1 avian flu virus in cattle, the confirmation that it can be transmitted between mammals from contaminated milk and the new cases in humans should be cause for concern, says microbiologist Raúl Rivas, who believes that this “escalation of events” means that vigilance must be extreme.
“H5N1 is already a pandemic virus in birds, we hope it does not become one in humans,” says Rivas, a doctor in Biology and professor of Microbiology at the University of Salamanca, in Spain.
The researcher explains that there are many outbreaks in wild birds, more than ever before in history, and in domestic birds. From birds, the virus jumped to mammals, small and large, such as sea lions (through predation of dead birds), and a few months ago it appeared on dairy farms in the United States, “another very worrying fact.”
The discovery of a subtype of the virus on a dairy farm in that country in the spring constitutes the first documented outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in cattle.
Since then, its spread among herds, its jump to other mammals (cats, raccoons) and even a trickle of new cases in humans have been confirmed and published in various scientific studies.
“At the moment there are mild symptoms,” says Rivas, who details that from 2003 to April 1, 2024, a total of 889 cases have been reported worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. “This indicates that for now the transmission from animal to human is not very good and furthermore there is no known transmission from human to human,” he says.
But the mortality rate (463 people) is around 52%, “which is outrageous.”
He adds that it seems that the virus is “having a hard time adapting” to humans, but if it infects pigs there will be “a serious problem”, not only because of the large number of farms of these animals, but also because they “act as cocktail shakers”.
These animals have receptors for both avian and human flu in their cells. “If these two viruses enter the same cell, they can recombine and a different virus can appear that is capable of infecting humans,” he warns.
It is something similar to what happened in 2009 with “the famous influenza A (H1N1) with pandemic potential (…). Fortunately, today it is controlled and circulating among seasonal flu.”
“We are currently in a situation of uncertainty and concern with H5N1. Therefore, we must continue to monitor the situation in order to establish appropriate control measures, detect any human cases and, of course, outbreaks in animals,” the microbiologist stressed.
The scientist points out that there are already vaccines for this influenza virus, for animals and humans. In fact, he points out, the United States is beginning to produce them at an accelerated pace and is considering the opportunity to vaccinate at-risk workers.
However, “the issue is not that there is a vaccine, but, as we saw with Covid-19, producing and distributing them on a large scale is not that easy and takes time.”
Microbes and cancer
Rivas recently published “Microbes and Cancer” (Guadalmazán publishing house), a book in which he uses historical data, scientific bibliography and, occasionally, anecdotes to explain the relationship between microbes and cancer: almost 20% of malignant tumors are related to infections by bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Regarding cancer, which in the 18th century was associated with emotional excess, “we know more every day,” but there is still “a long way to go” to eliminate the disease.
“Another issue is whether we can begin to understand certain types of tumors, making them chronic and increasing the arsenal of tools to combat them.”
For example, a universal vaccine against cancer is not yet possible; the technology for this does not exist and cancer is a multi-disease phenomenon, the scientist stresses.
For Rivas, everything has changed a lot in just a few years and will continue to change in part due to data intelligence and artificial intelligence. There are already studies that demonstrate the usefulness of AI for, for example, the analysis of mammograms and improved diagnosis of breast cancer, or to identify a new class of antibiotic candidates against resistant bacteria.
But AI has not yet exploded in science, says Rivas. Using a simile, he says that now we are “like those first mobile phones, Nokia or Motorola,” which seemed “incredible, but we have to get to the current smartphones.” It will be then “when AI will be a wonderful tool for science.”
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2024-09-18 10:32:09
– What measures can be taken to prevent the H5N1 avian flu virus from becoming a pandemic?
Table of Contents
The Alarming Rise of H5N1 Avian Flu Virus: A Pandemic Threat Lurking in the Shadows
As the world struggles to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, a new and potentially devastating threat is emerging in the form of the H5N1 avian flu virus. The detection of this virus in cattle, its transmission to mammals through contaminated milk, and the growing number of human cases have set off alarm bells among health experts. In an exclusive interview, microbiologist Raúl Rivas warns that the situation demands extreme vigilance, as the virus could potentially become a pandemic if not monitored and controlled effectively.
The Bird Flu Pandemic: A Lurking Threat
The H5N1 avian flu virus has already reached pandemic proportions in birds, with outbreaks reported in wild and domestic birds worldwide. The virus has jumped to mammals, including sea lions, and has recently been detected on dairy farms in the United States. This constitutes the first documented outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in cattle, sparking concerns about the virus’s ability to spread to humans.
The Human Toll: Mild Symptoms, High Mortality Rate
While the transmission of the virus from animals to humans is currently limited, the mortality rate among infected individuals is a staggering 52%. According to the World Health Organization, 889 cases have been reported worldwide between 2003 and April 1, 2024, resulting in 463 deaths. The mild symptoms of the virus can be deceptive, and if it adapts to humans, the consequences could be catastrophic.
The Pivotal Role of Pigs in the Pandemic Equation
Pigs are a critical link in the transmission of the virus, as they can act as “cocktail shakers” for both avian and human flu viruses. If the H5N1 virus infects pigs, it could recombine with human flu viruses, giving rise to a new, highly infectious strain capable of spreading rapidly among humans. This scenario is eerily reminiscent of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, which was eventually brought under control.
Vaccination: A Beacon of Hope
Vaccines are available for both animals and humans, and the United States is accelerating production to tackle the growing threat. However, as we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, producing and distributing vaccines on a large scale is a complex and time-consuming process.
Monitoring and Containment: The Need of the Hour
Microbiologist Raúl Rivas emphasizes the urgent need for vigilance, monitoring, and control measures to contain the spread of the virus. This includes detecting human cases, tracking outbreaks in animals, and implementing measures to prevent the virus from adapting to humans.
The Cancer Connection: A Parallel Health Crisis
In his book “Microbes and Cancer,” Raúl Rivas explores the intricate relationship between microbes and cancer, highlighting the fact that nearly 20% of malignant tumors are linked to infections by bacteria, parasites, and viruses. While significant progress has been made in understanding cancer, a universal vaccine remains an elusive goal, and the disease requires continued research and innovation.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The H5N1 avian flu virus poses a significant threat to global health, and it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring its spread. As we navigate this uncertain landscape, we must prioritize research, development, and distribution of vaccines, as well as implement effective control measures to prevent the virus from becoming a pandemic. The stakes are high, and collective action is necessary to mitigate the risk of this looming health crisis.
Keywords: H5N1 avian flu virus, pandemic, microbiology, Raúl Rivas, bird flu, cattle, mammals, transmission, human cases, mortality rate, pigs, vaccination, containment, cancer, microbes, cancer connection.
Meta Description: The H5N1 avian flu virus is a ticking time bomb, and experts warn that it could become a pandemic if not monitored and controlled effectively. Learn about the risks, symptoms, and prevention measures in this comprehensive article.
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What are the risks associated with H5N1 avian flu’s transmission from animals to humans?
The Looming Threat of H5N1 Avian Flu: Expert Warns of Pandemic Potential
The detection of the H5N1 avian flu virus in cattle, its transmission between mammals through contaminated milk, and the surge in human cases have raised concerns among experts, including microbiologist Raúl Rivas. The “escalation of events” demands extreme vigilance, as the virus has already spread to mammals, including sea lions, cats, and raccoons, and has a high mortality rate of 52%.
Avian Flu: A Pandemic in the Making?
Rivas, a doctor in Biology and professor of Microbiology at the University of Salamanca, Spain, warns that H5N1 is already a pandemic virus in birds and could potentially become one in humans if not controlled. The virus has been detected in dairy farms in the United States, and its spread among herds and to other mammals is a worrying trend. While human-to-human transmission has not been reported, the virus’s ability to adapt to humans is a grave concern.
The Role of Pigs in Viral Recombination
Pigs, with their receptors for both avian and human flu, can act as “cocktail shakers” for the virus, allowing it to recombine and become more infectious to humans. This is similar to what happened in 2009 with the H1N1 pandemic flu. Rivas emphasizes that if the virus infects pigs, it could lead to a serious problem, making it essential to monitor the situation and establish control measures.
Vaccines: A Possible Solution
Fortunately, vaccines for H5N1 are already available for animals and humans. The United States is accelerating vaccine production and considering vaccination for at-risk workers. However, Rivas notes that large-scale production and distribution of vaccines can be challenging and time-consuming, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Microbes and Cancer: The Hidden Connection
Rivas has recently published a book, “Microbes and Cancer,” which explores the relationship between microbes and cancer. The book reveals that almost 20% of malignant tumors are linked to infections by bacteria, parasites, and viruses. While there is still much to be learned about cancer, Rivas believes that understanding the role of microbes in cancer could lead to new avenues for treatment and prevention.
The Future of Diagnostic Tools
Rivas is optimistic about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostic tools, such as analyzing mammograms and improving breast cancer diagnosis. AI can also help identify new antibiotic candidates against resistant bacteria. While AI has not yet reached its full potential in science, Rivas believes it will play a vital role in the future of medical research and diagnosis.
Conclusion
The H5N1 avian flu virus poses a significant threat to human health, and it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in controlling its spread. Raúl Rivas’s warnings highlight the need for continued research, monitoring, and preparedness to prevent a potential pandemic. As the scientific community continues to unravel the mysteries of microbes and cancer, AI is likely to play an increasingly important role in diagnostic tools and treatment strategies.
Keywords: H5N1 avian flu, pandemic, microbiology, Raúl Rivas, vaccine, cancer, microbes, artificial intelligence, diagnostic tools.
