Avian influenza is the biggest health nightmare of 2025 – Greece is also marked

In the health shielding of the country from which it is a silent enemy he has focused. According to the EOPI avian influenza is the number one health hazard for 2025 and Greece, that is why scientists are trying to find ways to protect against this threat. CORVERSE In 2025, according to the National Public Health Organization (EODY), avian influenza could under conditions evolve into the next health nightmare. That is why the possibility of starting to spread from man to man causes fear to public health experts. Europe is already experiencing the biggest epidemic of avian influenza in its history, while strict measures are being taken in Greece to prevent a new health nightmare. In fact, bird flu is not a new threat. However, the speed and frequency at which the H5N1 virus spreads, create reasonable concern. Especially the subtype 2.3.4b, which has been prevalent since 2021, has shown increased adaptability to mammals, which endangers public health. CORVERSE Experts warn that unexpected and unforeseeable mutations in the virus can lead to a combination that will allow it to be transmitted from man to man. “A pandemic may be just a chemical bond away”, recently warned EOM scientists at a press conference, referring to the possibility that the virus would develop a capacity to connect to human cells on the upper respiratory tract. This scenario, although it has not so far occurred, can be devastating due to the lack of immunity to the population. Professor of Pathology and scientific collaborator of EODY, Sotiris Tsiodras, in statements even stressed how the H5N1 virus is the main candidate for a future pandemic, due to its ability to undergo mutations that will make it easily contagious among humans. “H5N1 virus can carry a mutation and become very contagious . This mutation can happen this year, but it can happen in 15 years,” he specifically said. Already, Europe is facing the biggest bird flu epidemic in its history, with the virus spreading mainly through migratory wild birds. At the same time, Greece is located at a geographical “crossroad” and faces an increased risk of virus entry through these birds, according to experts. A ‘distance’ mutation from … a new pandemic The H5N1 virus is known for its ability to undergo mutations, which can lead to increased contagiousity and severity of the disease. Particular concern is the possibility of recombining the genetic material of the virus with other influenza viruses, which could create a new, more dangerous virus for humans. It is noted that in recent years the virus has affected an increasing number of species of mammals, suggesting its adaptation and possible easier transmission to humans. The more the virus spreads, especially among mammals, Epidemiologists argue, the more opportunities it has to evolve in ways that enable it to spread to and between humans. This refers to a new particularly worrying study published on 5 December in Science. The investigation specifically revealed that the version of the virus circulating in dairy cows is only one mutation away from being able to connect more easily to human receptors, which if it happens will have incalculable consequences. These revelations have put H5N1 in the scientific microscope, as it is easy—as researchers say—to turn into the next pandemic. They even urge the health services of all countries to strengthen surveillance efforts and better prepare for the possibility that the virus will gain the ability to spread from person to person. The first human cases in the US Bird flu has been recorded in several areas of the world. As of 2003, Asia counts more than 850 human cases H5N1, of which more than half were fatal. Since late March, the H5N1 epidemic has affected at least 875 herds of dairy cows in 16 states in the US, according to the CDC. This year was the first time bird flu viruses were detected in cows. As regards human infections, 64 have been confirmed in the U.S. since April, mainly among people working in cattle and poultry farms. Most patients – confirmed cases have reported mild symptoms. In recent months, samples of the virus have also been detected in urban sewage, indicating that the spread of the virus is much greater than the official figures suggest. About 19% of cities controlled in 10 states, as part of the CDC National Wave Oversight System, have been identified positive samples from early December to today. Most were found in areas where there are dairy and poultry farms, but there were cases where positive samples appeared in areas without farms. Another parameter, however, that rings the alarm of danger among experts, is that in several human cases there is no confirmed source of infection. In September, the CDC confirmed an incident in a Missouri resident who had no known professional exposure to infected animals, while two months later, a child in California fell ill with H5N1 without an initial confirmed source of infection. On December 18, the CDC announced that a patient in Louisiana was treated with severe bird flu infection. Cases in Europe In Europe In particular in Spain in September & October 2022, two asymptomatic human cases of H5N1 were recorded in poultry workers, in which H5N1 spread to poultry. In England, the first human case of H5N1 was recorded in January 2022 to a person holding a large number of domestic birds. Only conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) was observed in the case. In May 2023, two asymptomatic cases were identified in workers in an H5N1 infected poultry farm. However, cases in cows do not inspire concern, as heat treatment makes the consumption of dairy products safe. Greece is alerted Greece also measures cases of avian influenza in wild birds and poultry farms. The last incidents were detected in March 2022 in silver-pelekans (Pelecanus crispus) and swans (Cygnus cygnus) in the regional units Florina, Kozani, Kastoria, Ioannina, Thessaloniki and Serres. Due to a geographical location, the potential for viral entry through migratory birds remains high, while the Greek authorities do not exclude outbreaks in poultry farms from imported infected birds. Greece is armored by avian influenza The National Public Health Organisation (ESF) has developed an operational plan to address possible avian influenza incidents. According to EODY President Christos Hatzichristodoulou, the plan includes prevention measures for occupational high risk groups, increased health surveillance for suspected incidents, laboratory preparedness for the detection of the virus, as well as monitoring protocols for close contacts exposed to incidents. In particular, the EOPS, in cooperation with the veterinary authorities and joint ministries, shall implement a number of measures to manage a potential threat: Biosafety in poultry farms and strict application of hygiene and control protocols. Monitoring of wild fauna and intensified controls on migratory birds. Information, awareness and training of workers in poultry farms for the prevention and early identification of suspected incidents. Health system preparation and design for rapid response in case of human case detection. Cooperation with international organisations, with continuous exchange of information and data with the WHO and ECDC. In addition, Greece has ensured quantities of vaccines that provide protection from specific avian influenza subtypes, which can be used to protect workers in poultry farms and other professional groups at increased exposure risk. The decision to use these vaccines shall be taken at national level following a careful assessment of the epidemiological situation. The risk should not be underestimated With coronavirus pandemic lessons still fresh in everyone’s memory, the European Union recognises the increasing risk of new outbreaks of avian influenza and prolongs prevention measures until September 2025. These measures include strict controls and guidelines for disease prevention and control in all Member States. The possibility of a new pandemic is not just a fantasy scenario. Avian influenza virus, although so far limited, has shown its destructive potential. That is why scientists in Greece say that we should be on constant alert with the rest of the world to prevent a health crisis with unforeseen consequences. By Janna Soulaki / Source: iatropedia.gr