CDC Discovers Virus Mutations in First Critical U.S. Bird Flu Case
The CDC noted that the mutations were found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, a critical component for the virus's ability to bind to host cells.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Thursday that its investigation into the first severe bird flu case in the U.S. revealed mutations in the virus not seen in samples from an infected backyard flock at the patient’s home.
The patient, a Louisiana resident over 65, was diagnosed last week with severe respiratory illness associated with the virus.
The infection was caused by the D1.1 genotype, recently detected in wild birds and poultry across the U.S., rather than the B3.13 genotype found in dairy cows, humans, and poultry in multiple states.
The CDC noted that the mutations were found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, a critical component for the virus’s ability to bind to host cells.
Although the mutations are rare, they have appeared in severe cases in other countries, including one in British Columbia, Canada.
Despite the findings, the CDC assured the public that the overall risk from the outbreak remains low, and no evidence of person-to-person transmission from the Louisiana patient has been found.