NEW YORK — A person in Chile is contaminated with a chicken flu that has regarding mutations, however the menace to individuals from the virus stays low, U.S. well being officers stated Friday.

Past animal research counsel these mutations might trigger the virus to be extra dangerous or unfold extra simply, well being officers stated. But in addition they stated there isn't a proof that the mutations would make it simpler for it to take root in an individual’s higher lungs - a growth that may increase issues about unfold amongst individuals.

The mutations don't change public well being officers’ evaluation of the general danger to individuals from the H5N1 virus, which “continues to be low,” stated Vivien Dugan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The mutations, which have appeared solely within the one hospitalized affected person, might have occurred after the person acquired sick, CDC officers stated. There’s no proof that the mutated virus unfold to different individuals, blended with different flu viruses, or developed the power to struggle off present medicines or evade vaccines, company officers stated.

Such genetic modifications have been seen in previous chicken flu infections.

“Nevertheless, it’s important to continue to look carefully at every instance of human infection,” Dugan stated. “We need to remain vigilant for changes that would make these viruses more dangerous to people.”

This sort of flu, known as Type A H5N1, was first recognized as a menace to individuals throughout a 1997 outbreak in Hong Kong, when guests to dwell poultry markets caught it.

Sporadic outbreaks have adopted, and greater than 450 individuals have died prior to now 20 years from chicken flu infections, in response to the World Health Organization. The overwhelming majority of contaminated individuals acquired it instantly from birds.

As chicken flu hits different species, nonetheless, scientists concern the virus might evolve to unfold extra simply amongst individuals. And it has been spreading extensively, to birds and animals in scores of nations.

In the U.S., it has lately been detected in wild birds in each state, in addition to in business poultry operations and yard flocks throughout the nation. Since the start of final yr, tens of thousands and thousands of chickens have died of the virus or been killed to cease outbreaks from spreading, one of many causes cited for hovering U.S. egg costs.

The new lab evaluation appeared on the virus discovered within the lungs of a 53-year-old man dwelling in Chile’s Antofagasta area. It could also be that he turned contaminated by means of contact with sick or lifeless birds or contaminated sea lions, in response to a WHO abstract of the case.

The man was wholesome and had not traveled lately. On March 13, he began getting a cough, sore throat and hoarseness, the WHO stated.

His signs worsened and he ultimately was despatched to an intensive care unit and handled with antiviral medicines and antibiotics. He continues to be hospitalized and being monitored, CDC officers stated.

Genetic sequencing this week revealed the 2 regarding mutations. Chilean and American well being officers have been working collectively on the investigation.

• The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives assist from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely answerable for all content material.

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