CDC monitors bird flu cases in the US amid rise in human infections

The CDC is monitoring bird flu cases in the U.S. due to an increase in human infections, with 66 confirmed cases reported. They are particularly focused on potential human-to-human transmission and genetic mutations of the virus. A recent case in Louisiana involved a patient with a mutated strain of the virus, raising concerns about its ability to spread among humans. The CDC noted that these mutations were not found in local poultry samples, suggesting they developed after the patient was infected. Despite these developments, the CDC maintains that the public health risk remains low. Infected birds and products will not enter the food supply, and the agency will resume updates on January 3.