Scientists studying the genetic sequence of the H5N1 bird flu virus that infected a teenager in British Columbia found that the virus had mutations that made it easier to infect humans. Although the teenager remains in critical condition, there is no evidence of the virus spreading to others. The source of the infection remains unknown, but experts believe the mutations likely occurred during the course of the teenager’s illness. The mutations in the virus are concerning because they could potentially lead to a pandemic if the virus acquired the ability to easily infect humans. Monitoring and surveillance efforts have been recommended to track the situation closely.
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Bird flu risk to humans: Canadian case has unsettling viral mutations
