**Bird Flu Mutates Inside Patient**
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made a concerning discovery. The bird flu virus, also known as H5N1, mutated inside a patient in Louisiana.
This is the first severe case of the illness in the US. The patient was hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms after coming into contact with sick and dead birds on their property. The person is older than 65 and has underlying medical problems.
**Mutations Allow Virus to Bind Better**
Scientists believe that the mutations may help the virus bind better to receptors in the upper airways of humans. This means it could potentially spread more easily between people. However, experts say this doesn’t necessarily mean we’re closer to seeing a readily transmitted virus.
Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Minnesota, compared the situation to a lock and key. The virus needs to have a “key” that fits the receptor in order to enter a cell. If it mutates to have the right key, it could potentially spread more easily.
**No Change in Risk**
The CDC stressed that there has been no known transmission of the virus from the Louisiana patient to anyone else. They also said the risk to the general public remains low.
Despite this, experts are keeping a close eye on the situation. Osterholm warned that scientists should continue to follow what’s happening with mutations carefully, as they could potentially lead to more severe pandemics in the future.
**Read More**
Read More @ apnews.com