H5N1 Bird Flu Just One Mutation Away From Potential Human Transmission, Study Finds

New research highlights the virus's ability to adapt quickly, raising concerns over a potential pandemic if human-to-human transmission becomes possible.

Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have identified a single mutation, Q226L, that could enable the H5N1 bird flu virus to bind to human cells more effectively.
The H5N1 virus, currently spreading among animals in the U.S., has a 50% fatality rate in humans but is not yet capable of sustained human-to-human transmission.
The mutation would allow the virus to target human airway receptors, potentially enabling airborne transmission via sneezing or coughing.
Experts emphasize that while the mutation increases risk, additional changes may still be required for efficient human transmission, and no such evolution has occurred yet.
Monitoring genetic changes in the virus is critical for early detection of increased transmissibility and for preventing a potential pandemic.