(NewsNation) — A recent study has revealed that bird flu can be asymptomatic and person-to-person transmission is possible in certain cases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers identified 10 reports of 18 asymptomatic human cases of bird flu.
“Since 1997, more than 1,000 infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus among humans have been reported globally,” the researchers said. “Given ongoing A(H5N1) outbreaks in animals, understanding the frequency of A(H5N1) virus infections among asymptomatic persons can inform public health risk assessments and infection prevention guidance.”
The researchers also revealed human cases of bird flu have been confirmed in multiple states halfway through 2025.
“Approximately 70 cases have been officially reported, most with mild illness but including at least 1 death,” added the researchers.
Bird flu could trigger pandemic: Virologist
A World Health Organization virologist is warning people that bird flu has the potential to trigger another pandemic.
In Germany, there has been an increasing number of poultry farms affected by bird flu. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute said it recorded around 31 outbreaks of the virus in livestock farming and 131 cases of avian influenza in wild birds.
“This means there are now infinitely more opportunities for transmission and adaptation to humans. This risk should not be underestimated,” said Klaus Stöhr.
Bird flu is a highly contagious and rapidly fatal infectious disease in many bird and poultry species, acknowledged the Friedrich Loeffler Institute. They added a large-scale spread due to migratory activity should be expected in the near future.