CDC reports bird flu mutation in human as infections rise in cats

The CDC has detected a mutation of the bird flu virus in a critically ill patient in Louisiana, which may help the virus adapt to human airways. However, this mutation has not spread to others, and experts caution it is too early to assess its impact on transmissibility. In 2024, there have been 65 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U.S., raising concerns about the virus mixing with seasonal influenza. Experts warn that this could lead to rapid evolutionary changes, similar to past pandemics. Additionally, there have been new infections in cats, including a death linked to contaminated pet food in Oregon. Experts highlight the risk of infected outdoor cats potentially exposing humans to the virus.