As we observe the fifth year of COVID-19’s impact around the world, it is apparent how much the pandemic has changed our planet. From lower test scores in mathematics and English to the tragic loss of life, COVID-19 impacted nearly every aspect of education, health, and day-to-day life.
With a new understanding of illnesses, Americans have become more cognizant of potential threats. One such potential threat is the H5N1 bird flu, also known as avian influenza. According to the Center for Disease (CDC), there have been 66 confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. as of January 2025. January 6, 2025 marked the date on which the first person passed away from the bird flu in the United States.
What exactly is this threat?
Bird flu affects birds such as chickens, ducks, and more through rapid transmission via other birds. The H5N1 strain, first discovered in the 1990s, is still carefully watched by scientists due to its ability to spread from animals to humans. Other mammals ranging from cows to dolphins have also tested positive for this virus in the past.
In Florida, there have been detected cases of bird flu. For example, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that samples of “wood duck, green-winged teal, and ring-necked duck” in Leon County tested positive for avian mortality. The University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute reported that nearly 200 million chickens in 48 states, including Florida, have been affected by the H5N1 bird flu.
Considering that the world-wide mortality rate is 52% for 954 cases (CDC), it is important for individuals to stay safe by being proactive, protecting oneself, and staying alert. Common symptoms include cough, fever, pink eye (conjunctivitis), aching muscles, and sore throat. (CDC) As products such as milk and pet food have been recalled, it is important to stay up to date with these recalls. Experts recommend consulting a doctor if symptoms arise after consuming raw dairy products.
What is next?
For the most part, the average American likely need not worry about this virus, though it should be closely monitored. The CDC wrote on January 15, 2025, “People with job- or recreation-related exposures to infected animals are at increased risk, especially when those exposures happen without use of appropriate personal protective equipment.”
Moderna, the pharmaceutical company which developed the widely used COVID-19 vaccine, was recently awarded $590 million by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the acceleration of developing influenza vaccines, which includes bird flu vaccines. Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra stated that bird flu variants are often “unpredictable,” leading to the government’s cautious watch.
Staying aware of new H5N1 bird flu developments and cases can hopefully mitigate the potential of another nationwide—or worldwide—outbreak. With the first recent U.S. death from this different virus to begin 2025, coupled with the grim five year anniversary of COVID-19, the H5N1 bird flu reminds us of the impacts—and potential tragedies—viruses can cause.