Bird Flu Virus Poses Pandemic Risk Greater Than COVID, French Institute Warns
PARIS, March 28 – A highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, could trigger a global pandemic considerably more severe than the COVID-19 crisis if it undergoes further mutation, according to a warning issued Thursday by FranceS leading scientific research institute, the Institut Pasteur. The current strain, while primarily affecting birds, exhibits increasing signs of adaptability that raise concerns about its potential to efficiently infect and spread among humans.
the warning comes as outbreaks of the H5N1 virus continue to devastate poultry populations worldwide, and as isolated cases of human infection have been reported in various countries. Experts emphasize that while human-to-human transmission remains limited, the virus’s rapid evolution necessitates urgent preparation and investment in vaccine development and pandemic response strategies. A mutated strain capable of efficient human transmission could overwhelm healthcare systems and cause widespread mortality, exceeding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic due to a lack of pre-existing immunity in the human population.
Institut Pasteur researchers detailed their findings in a statement, highlighting the virus’s ability to acquire mutations that enhance its binding to human respiratory cells. “The virus is accumulating changes that make it more capable of infecting mammals, including humans,” explained Professor Olivier Schwartz, head of the Virus and Immunity Unit at the Institut Pasteur. ”If these changes continue, and the virus gains the ability to transmit efficiently between humans, we could face a pandemic with a higher mortality rate than COVID-19.”
Currently, the primary risk remains exposure to infected birds. However, the institute’s modeling suggests that even a small number of human cases with efficient transmission could rapidly escalate into a global health emergency. The World Health Association (WHO) is closely monitoring the situation and has urged countries to strengthen surveillance of both animal and human populations.
The Institut Pasteur’s warning underscores the critical need for continued research into influenza viruses, increased investment in vaccine production capacity, and the development of antiviral treatments. scientists are working to develop a worldwide flu vaccine that woudl offer broader protection against various strains, including mutated avian influenza viruses. The institute stressed that proactive measures are essential to mitigate the potential for a catastrophic pandemic event.
