As bird flu, also known as H5N1, spreads across the country, experts are concerned about the potential for undetected transfer and mutations.

The first death caused by H5N1 bird flu was reported in January 2025. Some believe the virus could eventually pose a widespread risk to the public.

Current strains of bird flu are “poorly suited for pandemic potential,” said Dr. Shira Doron, a Tufts Medicine infectious disease expert.

By 1957, scientists had a significantly more sophisticated understanding of influenza, worrying them that a pandemic similar to that of 1918 could easily erupt, killing millions again.

In its announcement this week of the first human death from bird flu in the United States, health officials in Louisiana were quick to note that the patient was over age 65 and “reported to have ...

US dodged a bird flu pandemic in 1957 thanks to eggs and luck. Can we do it again?

Experts warn about the possibility of a new pandemic in 2025 as the H5N1 bird flu virus spreads across all 50 states, impacting cows at US dairy farms, leading to human infections and raising ...

A new case of bird flu in a California child without known contact with infected animals is raising concerns about a potential pandemic. Dr. Céline Gounder explains what to know.

As California declares a state of emergency over bird flu, here is what scientists are saying about the dangers of the virus.

The H5N1 bird flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease that primarily affects birds, but can be spread to other animals and even humans. Could the bird flu be the next pandemic?

The circulation of H5N1 bird flu in animals and limited infections in humans have motivated flu preparedness activities, such as stockpiling vaccines. Social media posts have baselessly implied ...