A “rare” human case of bird flu has been reported in the UK, the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said on Monday, but the risk to the general public remains “very low.”
The press office said in a statement:
“UKHSA has confirmed a case of influenza A(H5N1) in a person in the West Midlands region. Bird-to-human transmission of avian influenza is rare and has previously occurred a small number of times in the UK.”
The organisation’s press office added that the patient was hospitalised in an infectious disease ward with severe consequences, but is feeling well. Meanwhile, the infected birds have been found to have a virus of the genotype that is circulating in Britain this season. However, it differs from strains found in birds and mammals in the US.
Professor and UKHSA Chief Medical Adviser Susan Hopkins said:
“The risk of bird flu to the public remains very low despite this confirmed case. We have robust systems in place to detect cases early and take appropriate action. There is no evidence of further transmission from this case.”
There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. UKHSA is continuing to monitor the situation and plans to provide further details. Citizens have been urged to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to follow the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ advice on reporting suspected cases of avian influenza.
First fatality from the flu
In early January 2025, the first death from H5N1 avian influenza was reported in the US. The victim of the virus was a man over 65 years of age who was hospitalised on December 13, 2024.
Avian influenza is a highly pathogenic disease transmitted through the faeces, blood and saliva of infected birds. However, a new mutation of the virus discovered in Louisiana is characterised by a minimal risk of spread thanks to specific amino acid substitutions, experts say.
