South Korea steps up vigilance over bird flu infection in humans

As human infections with avian influenza (AI) have been reported in some countries, including the United States, South Korean quarantine authorities have warned that the next pandemic (an epidemic of infectious disease)
They are sounding the alarm that there is a high possibility of "human infection by AI." Ji Young-mi, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a press conference held at the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on the 21st, "Currently,
"Infectious disease experts around the world are discussing AI human infections," he said, expressing concern that "reported cases suggest that AI human infections and outbreaks could occur at any time."
"Currently, sporadic cases of human infection with AI have been reported (even overseas), and no cases have been confirmed in Japan yet, but the risk is steadily increasing," Ike said.
"We need to be thoroughly prepared," he said. However, he said that if AI infections spread widely among humans, within a month, 40% of the population would be infected and the number of serious patients would reach 280,000.
The agency cautioned against excessive concern, saying this was only a worst-case scenario, but it believes it is essential to strengthen surveillance of influenza in general, including human infections with AI.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working to expand influenza sample monitoring facilities to 1,000, and is also stockpiling H5N1 vaccines to deal with AI human infections.
The United States and other countries are already moving to stockpile H5N1 vaccines, and an approved H5N1 vaccine is already available in Japan, so immediate action is needed.
"We initially requested a budget of 7 billion won for 75,000 vaccines, but this was cut by the budget committee," said Ji.
"We believe that it is necessary to do so, and we will definitely make another effort this year to secure it," he said. The United States is closely monitoring the possibility of the spread of the mutant H5N1 virus that causes human infection with AI.
Last year, the H5N1 virus spread to hundreds of dairy farms and more than 60 cases of human infection were reported. Although no cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported yet, there has been a high incidence of the virus in Louisiana.
Experts say that if human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 virus were to occur, it could lead to a pandemic that would be far more deadly than the COVID-19 virus.
I am concerned that this may be the case.