NIH highlights key strategies to combat H5N1
H5N1 avian influenza remains a low public health risk, according to NIH officials. However, vigilance and preventive measures are critical to managing its potential impact.
Dr. Jeanne M. Marrazzo and Dr. Michael G. Ison from NIAID propose a four-step strategy to address this evolving threat.
First, collaboration across medical and public health sectors is vital. This includes fostering trust among healthcare providers and individuals experiencing symptoms like conjunctivitis.
Second, robust surveillance and genomic sequencing are necessary to track virus mutations that could increase human transmissibility. Timely data sharing enhances understanding of the virus’s evolution.