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UK reports rare human case of bird flu with low public risk

by editor

The United Kingdom has reported an unusual human case of bird flu, as confirmed by the Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Monday. Despite this incident, the agency reassures that the risk to the general public remains “very low.”

Details of the case

The infection was identified in the West Midlands, where the individual contracted the virus while working on a farm. The agency noted that the person had “close and prolonged contact” with infected birds. Fortunately, the patient is currently in good health, and health officials are actively tracing individuals who may have had contact with the confirmed case.

Public health response

According to Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, “The risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low despite this confirmed case.” She emphasized the effectiveness of the country’s surveillance systems, stating, “We have robust systems in place to detect cases early and take necessary action, as we know that spillover infections from birds to humans may occur.”

While bird-to-human transmission of H5N1 avian influenza is infrequent, the UKHSA acknowledged that there have been previous occurrences in the country. In light of recent outbreaks in both wild bird populations and poultry farms, UK authorities have intensified their monitoring and control strategies to mitigate the spread of bird flu.

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