Following the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States, National Institutes of Health representatives performed their own risk assessment.
NIAID Director Jeanne M. Marrazzo, M.D., M.P.H., and Michael G. Ison, M.D., M.S., chief of the Respiratory Diseases Branch in NIAID’s Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases suggest “four keys to controlling the current outbreak,” according to NIH’s release:
1. Working together.
2. Focus on the Canadian patient’s case.
3. Continue developing treatment and prevention.
4. Take safety measures to reduce virus exposure.
Additionally, Drs. Marrazzo and Ison said, “people should find a balance between enhanced vigilance and “business as usual” with respect to HPAI H5N1.”
In conclusion, H5N1 risk is still low for the general public and experts say, “available treatments and vaccines, as well as those in development, are sufficient to prevent severe disease.” However, the NIH will continue surveillance.
