Experts warn of bird flu's pandemic threat
The Straits Times|December 12, 2024
PARIS - Health experts have been sounding the alarm about the potential pandemic threat posed by bird flu, which has been showing signs of mutating as it spreads among cows and infects people in the US.
Experts warn of bird flu's pandemic threat

There is no guarantee that bird flu will ever begin transmitting between humans, and the US health authorities have emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low.

The deadly bird flu variant H5N1 first emerged in China in 1996. Over the past four years, however, it has spread more widely than ever before, reaching previously untouched regions such as penguin haven Antarctica.

More than 300 million poultry birds have been killed or culled since October 2021, while 315 different species of wild birds have died across 79 countries, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Mammals that ate the infected birds, such as seals, have also experienced mass die-offs.

The situation changed again in March when the virus began spreading among dairy cows across the US in another first.

Fifty-eight people have tested positive for bird flu in the US in 2024, including two who had no known exposure to infected animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are also fears that some human cases are going undetected. Researchers said in November that eight out of 115 dairy workers tested in Michigan and Colorado had antibodies for bird flu, suggesting an infection rate of 7 per cent.

この記事は The Straits Times の December 12, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は The Straits Times の December 12, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

THE STRAITS TIMESのその他の記事すべて表示
OLD ART, NEW LOOK, MURAKAMI STYLE
The Straits Times

OLD ART, NEW LOOK, MURAKAMI STYLE

Japanese art history is seen in a new and fun light at Gagosian's Grosvenor Hill art gallery in London.

time-read
1 min  |
December 19, 2024
Hit children's animation Bluey will be on the silver screen
The Straits Times

Hit children's animation Bluey will be on the silver screen

Mickey Mouse and Bluey are expanding their business partnership. BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Company said on Dec 17 that they would collaborate on an animated movie starring Bluey, the Blue Heeler pup who has become a global sensation on children's television.

time-read
1 min  |
December 19, 2024
Hollywood star Tom Cruise awarded US Navy's highest civilian honour
The Straits Times

Hollywood star Tom Cruise awarded US Navy's highest civilian honour

Action movie star Tom Cruise is not only a naval pilot on-screen in the film series Top Gun (1986 to present), but he has also now been given the United States' Navy's highest civilian honour.

time-read
2 分  |
December 19, 2024
Thai film How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies in the shortlist
The Straits Times

Thai film How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies in the shortlist

Thai tear-jerker How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has made the shortlist in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, it was announced in Los Angeles on Dec 17.

time-read
2 分  |
December 19, 2024
Singer Elton John condemns legalisation of marijuana in the US and Canada
The Straits Times

Singer Elton John condemns legalisation of marijuana in the US and Canada

Iconic British musician Elton John spoke about his views on drugs, especially marijuana, in a recent interview.

time-read
2 分  |
December 19, 2024
Actress Nicole Kidman experienced 'burnout' shooting sex scenes for Babygirl
The Straits Times

Actress Nicole Kidman experienced 'burnout' shooting sex scenes for Babygirl

At an age when many start to slow down, 57-year-old Australian actress Nicole Kidman is enjoying one of her busiest years yet with three films and three television series in 2024 — and the raunchiest sex scenes of her career.

time-read
3 分  |
December 19, 2024
Squid Game creator still can't believe show's global success
The Straits Times

Squid Game creator still can't believe show's global success

As they tease the much-anticipated second season of Squid Game, the cast and creator of the hit South Korean survivalist drama are still trying to wrap their heads around its global success, which saw its debut season in 2021 become the most-watched series on Netflix.

time-read
3 分  |
December 19, 2024
Binge-worthy A sweet spy comedy on ageing
The Straits Times

Binge-worthy A sweet spy comedy on ageing

A MAN ON THE INSIDE Netflix ★★★★☆

time-read
2 分  |
December 19, 2024
The Return recasts Homer's Odyssey, mixed verdict for The Prosecutor
The Straits Times

The Return recasts Homer's Odyssey, mixed verdict for The Prosecutor

The story: Ralph Fiennes - who better? - portrays Greek king Odysseus of Ithaca.

time-read
2 分  |
December 19, 2024
Stunning visuals lift a timid prequel
The Straits Times

Stunning visuals lift a timid prequel

The level of detail in Mufasa: The Lion King is astonishing

time-read
2 分  |
December 19, 2024