It seems we’ve all heard it before. The Secretary-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization (WHO), warned this week in a virtual briefing to journalists that although bird flu H5N1 has never infected humans before this year, the “status Quo” could change anytime and that countries should increase their “surveillance” of human contact with potentially dangerous animals.
Last year, Brownstone Institute stated that proposed amendments of the WHO’s treaty to its member states (including the U.S.), could give the WHO dangerous power over when a pandemic is declared or what measures governments must take. Although the amendments were rejected in May 2022, they were reportedly being considered again in January 2023.
NEW – WHO’s Tedros says we “must prepare” for a potential H5N1 human bird flu pandemic. pic.twitter.com/4Y3asCMN9S
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Dr. Tedros said:
“These past weeks have seen a number of reports about mammals including minks and otters as well as foxes and sea lions being infected by H5N1 avian flu. For 25 years, H5N1 has been spreading widely among wild birds and pro-poultry. However, it is important to monitor the recent spread to mammals. WHO currently considers H5N1 to be low-risk for humans. We have seen only rare, unreported transmissions of H5N1 between and to humans since 1996 when H5N1 was first discovered. We cannot assume that this will continue, so we need to be ready for any changes in the status quo.
Sure, it’s rare. Who knows what could happen? The WHO-recommended COVID-19 Pandemic Measures such as masking and lockdowns have been shown to be ineffective or even actively harmful. However, we can rely on the WHO to be trustworthy and open if there is another pandemic.
Dr. Tedros continued:
“As usual, it is advised that people not touch or take in sick wild animals. Instead, they should report them to local authorities. WHO works with partners and national authorities to closely monitor the situation and study any cases of H5N1-infected humans. The Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (WHO’s global laboratory network) identifies and monitors influenza strains and gives advice to countries about their potential impact on human health and the available treatment or control options. WHO suggests that countries increase surveillance of areas where wild and farmed animals meet. WHO continues to work with manufacturers to ensure that vaccines and other antivirals are readily available worldwide.
Let’s pray that H5N1 remains rare among humans. A single experience such as the COVID-19 pandemic was enough.
