In light of the ongoing global spread of the H5N1 avian influenza, U.S. public health experts are reassured that current treatments and vaccines are effective against severe disease. The virus, which has caused sporadic human cases,

Genetic analysis of H5N1 bird flu virus that infected a Canadian teenager shows 'worrisome' mutations, new studies reveal.

Genetic analysis of H5N1 bird flu viruses from a severely ill patient in Louisiana revealed multiple mutations that may enhance the virus’s ability to bind to human upper airway cells, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Thursday.

In 2024, at least 66 human cases of bird flu have been reported in the United States, each one raising the risk of another pandemic like COVID-19. So far, most cases have been described as “mild,” which means they weren't hospitalized.

Teen's recovery from H5N1 bird flu raises concerns after genetic mutations suggest virus could become more dangerous to humans.

A Canadian teenager infected with the H5N1 bird flu in November has fully recovered, but scientists are worried about mutations in the virus that can increase its ability to bind to human cells, causing deadlier diseases.