The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing difficulties in sharing bird flu outbreak data following the United States’ withdrawal from the organization. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier stated during a press briefing in Geneva that communication with the US has become a challenge, as traditional channels are no longer available.
Since April 2024, the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the US has infected nearly 70 people, primarily farm workers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and the risk to the general public remains low. However, individuals exposed to birds, poultry, or livestock face a higher risk of infection.
The US withdrawal from WHO has raised global concerns, particularly regarding virus tracking and disease surveillance. Reports from US media suggest that many countries fear the US may stop sharing critical virus-related data in the future, potentially hindering efforts to contain new outbreaks. Recently, a new strain of bird flu was detected in dairy cattle in Nevada, further intensifying concerns among scientists.
