Bird flu, asymptomatic viruses circulating in humans

A recently published study on the H5N1 virus by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the avian influenza virus prevalent in the United States for months may be circulating asymptomatically among the human population. The study is based on blood samples collected by researchers from 150 veterinarians who worked with cattle in the country. Three showed antibodies to the virus in question, indicating a recent infection. It is noteworthy that none of the veterinarians reported symptoms associated with avian influenza, such as respiratory problems or conjunctivitis. Furthermore, none of the veterinarians reported using respiratory or eye protection, nor did they have any knowledge of having been in contact with infected or suspected infected livestock. However, it should be noted that one of the three veterinarians had previously worked with infected poultry. Although the blood samples were collected between June and September 2024, it is suspected that the virus is spreading more widely and silently than the research suggests. Consequently, the number of infected individuals may surpass the seventy cases documented since March 2024.