Bird Flu Viruses Raise Mounting Concerns Among Scientists
The New York Times••health
Key Points:
- The H5N1 virus is the most well-known bird flu strain in the U.S., but scientists are increasingly concerned about another strain, H9N2, which is rapidly evolving.
- A recent study from Hong Kong revealed that H9N2 has developed mutations over the past decade that enhance its ability to spread among humans and cause more severe illness.
- Although H9N2 causes mild symptoms in poultry, it can lead to more serious illness in humans, especially children, with reported cases rising sharply in recent years.
- China reported 29 human cases of H9N2 in the past year, up from 11 the previous year, but experts believe the actual number is higher due to underreporting and und
