H5N1, also known as avian influenza A (H5N1), is a highly contagious strain of influenza virus that primarily infects birds. It has been making headlines recently due to a surge in cases detected worldwide, including rare instances of human infection. Let's delve deeper into the details of H5N1, exploring its history, how it spreads, and the current situation. Avian Origins: * The first significant outbreaks of H5N1 occurred in poultry populations in Southeast Asia in the late 1990s. * The virus is naturally carried by wild aquatic birds, particularly waterfowl, and can spread through their droppings and secretions. Jumping to Mammals: * While H5N1 rarely infects humans, there have been documented cases, primarily among people who have close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. * The virus can cause severe respiratory illness in humans, with a high mortality rate. The Recent Surge: * Since late 2021, H5N1 has been detected in unprecedented numbers of wild birds