Surge in Avian Influenza Cases Raises Public Health Concerns

Recent reports of H5N1 avian influenza cases, including a critical infection in a Canadian teenager and two U.S. children without animal exposure, heighten concerns of community transmission. U.S. health officials say the virus poses a low risk to the public, but mutations raise alarms about possible adaptation to spread between humans. Current cases have largely been mild, but experts urge vigilance as viral reassortment with seasonal flu could increase risks. Ongoing monitoring and public health investigations aim to contain the threat as the virus continues to impact poultry populations across North America.