A teenager in Vancouver, Canada is in critical condition after being infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, raising concerns among researchers about the virus’s ability to adapt to humans.

According to a report in Nature, genome sequencing shows that the virus has mutations that may increase its ability to infect human airway cells, raising fears about its evolution.

Despite this development, experts have highlighted there is no immediate risk of an epidemic. “There’s reason to be concerned, but not a reason to completely panic,” says Scott Hensley, an immunologist at the University of Pennsylvania. Importantly, no evidence of human-to-human transmission has emerged in this case.

The source of infection remains unclear. According to public health officer Bonnie Henry, the teen had no contact with poultry farms or infected animals, and no cases have been reported among household pets. He noted the possibility that the source of the infection may never be discovered.

Why worry about the virus?

This virus shares similarities with strains circulating in poultry and waterfowl, but it has three important mutations: two that may help it infect human cells and one that may help it replicate in the human host. . Researchers believe these mutations may have developed within the infected teen, as the virus initially caused an eye infection that turned into a severe lung infection.

Jesse Bloom, a virologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, called the mutation an important finding, suggesting the virus is evolving in ways that deserve attention.

Is bird flu the next pandemic?

Experts urge caution but not panic. There is no evidence that this strain can spread easily between humans. “Being able to connect to human cells is a prerequisite for a pandemic but not a sufficient condition,” Hensley explains.

Efforts are underway to prepare for potential risks. Vaccines developed for earlier H5N1 strains are being tested and may still provide protection.

While rare, H5N1 infection has historically been serious, especially among young people, such as the teenagers who are currently battling the virus. Henry underlines the importance of vigilance: “This case reminds us that the virus can cause serious illness, even in healthy individuals.”