WHO urges enhanced Bird Flu surveillance amid rising global cases

GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for heightened global surveillance of bird flu after a child in California became the first confirmed case in the United States this year. The case adds to the growing number of human infections caused by the H5N1 avian influenza strain, prompting concerns over its potential to spread further.
Rising concern over animal and human infections
Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness, emphasized the urgent need for more robust monitoring systems in animals, particularly those susceptible to the virus. “We need much stronger surveillance globally, especially in wild birds, poultry, and other vulnerable animals like swine and dairy cattle, to better understand the virus's circulation,” Van Kerkhove said during a press briefing on Thursday.
Since its emergence in 1996, H5N1 has shown exponential growth in outbreaks, especially since 2020. Millions of poultry deaths and infections in wild birds, as well as land and marine mammals, have been recorded. Human cases remain relatively rare, but the rising numbers have caught global health authorities’ attention.
California case sparks renewed focus
Last week, U.S. officials reported that a child in California tested positive for H5N1 avian flu, marking the first human case in the country this year. The child, who exhibited mild symptoms, is recovering at home following antiviral treatment. Preventive measures, including health checks and treatment, were administered to individuals at the child’s daycare center.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 55 human cases of H5 bird flu have been reported in the country during 2024, with 29 recorded in California alone. Most cases have been linked to direct exposure to infected animals, and no evidence of human-to-human transmission has been observed so far.
Global implications and preparedness
Despite the low risk to the general public, WHO officials stress the need for proactive measures to limit cross-species transmission and prevent future pandemics. This includes improved testing, proper use of protective equipment, and thorough investigations into every human infection.
Van Kerkhove underscored the importance of vigilance, stating, “While we’re not currently facing a flu pandemic, the need for preparedness cannot be overstated. We must strengthen efforts to reduce the risk of infection jumping from animals to humans.”
WHO has been closely monitoring the situation, as cases in Europe and the U.S. continue to surface. Health officials are urging countries to invest in robust surveillance systems and prioritize pandemic readiness.