Bird Flu Cases in North America Show Signs of Virus Adapting to Humans

A Canadian teenager's critical illness highlights genetic mutations in H5N1 that could increase its ability to infect human cells.

A teenager in British Columbia is in critical condition with H5N1, marking Canada's first locally acquired human case of bird flu.
Genetic analysis of the teen's virus revealed mutations that may enhance its ability to bind to human cells, raising concerns among scientists.
The teen had no known contact with infected animals, complicating efforts to trace the source of the infection.
Experts emphasize that while no evidence of human-to-human transmission has been observed, the virus's adaptation to humans warrants close monitoring.
The U.S. has reported 53 human cases of bird flu since April 2024, with underreporting likely due to mild or asymptomatic infections.