Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute reveal that a single mutation in the avian flu could enable it to infect humans, raising significant pandemic concerns.
William Schaffner emphasized the startling find that only one mutation could allow the H5N1 virus to attach to human cell receptors, yet no such mutation has been observed.
Yoshihiro Kawaoka noted that statistically, the mutation might already exist in H5N1 infections, though it hasn’t been definitively detected despite extensive monitoring.
The bird flu outbreak, the largest animal disease outbreak on record, amplifies fears about its potential to initiate a human pandemic.
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