Though the public risk is low, the agency seeks to prevent the mutation of new strains.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced this week that $10 million will be invested to curb bird flu infections among humans, with $5 million of the funding allocated for vaccine research.
This particular strain of bird flu, dubbed the H5N1 bird flu, began its spread in 2022, with migratory birds infecting poultry farm animals in almost every state. Earlier this year, the strain spread to dairy cows, and since then 10 dairy farm workers have tested positive for the viral strain.
The symptoms of the H5N1 bird flu have been mild, with many reporting pink eye as the main reaction to the virus. However, scientists remain wary of the virus’s slow-motion spread, and believe curbing it is important to prevent more serious mutations from developing.
“Preventing seasonal influenza for these workers, many of whom are also exposed to bird flu, may reduce risks of new strains of influenza emerging,” said CDC Principal Deputy Director Nirav Shah.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for CDC officials as they seek to mitigate the spread of bird flu.
- For Director Cohen and Principal Deputy Director Shah as they allot funds to attempt to curb mutations.
Sources: Reuters, CDC
