Introduction to Special Issue
Introduction
H5N1
Bruce Alberts, Editor-in-Chief of Science
The publication in this issue of the research paper airborne transmission of Influenza A/H5N1 Virus Between Ferrets, plus its newer companion The Potential for Respiratory Droplet–Transmissible A/H5N1 Influenza Virus to Evolve in a Mammalian Host, marks the end of more than 8 months of widely reported controversy over whether some of the data now freely accessible should be withheld in the public interest (see http://scim.ag/H5N1_Flu for a compilation of News and Commentary recently published in Science). As a result, people worldwide are now much more aware of the potential threat that this virus, commonly known as “bird flu,” poses to humanity. And the open publication of new data concerning the potential of H5N1 to convert directly to a form that can be transferred through the air between ferrets will motivate many more policy-makers and scientists to work to reduce the likelihood that this virus will evolve to cause a pandemic. Breakthroughs in science often occur when a scientist with a unique perspective combines prior knowledge in novel ways to create new knowledge, and the publication of the two research Reports in this issue will hopefully help to stimulate the innovation needed, perhaps from unsuspected sources, to make the world safer.
As described in News and Commentary pieces in this special section, the prolonged controversy has also provided a “stress test” of the systems that had been established to enable the biological sciences to deal with “dual-use research of concern” (DURC): biological research with legitimate scientific purposes that may be misused to pose a biologic threat to public health and/or national security. One centerpiece of this system is the U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB). Science strongly supports the NSABB mechanism, which clearly needs to be supplemented and further strengthened to deal with the inevitable future cases of publication of dual-use research, both before and after their submission to journals. Still missing is a comprehensive international system for assessing and handling DURC—one that provides access, for those with a need to know, to any information deemed not to be freely publishable.
If fields subject to DURC are to attract the outstanding young scientists required to address problems such as those posed by H5N1, the appropriate experts may need to define in advance the most promising research strategies and, acting in concert with security experts, agree on responsible ways to address them. It is our hope that the thoughtful Commentaries, News, and research Reports in this special issue will help to jump-start intensive efforts along these lines.
hammertime said:What I'm wondering is this: if H5N1 does become easily transmissible among humans, what kind of death toll are we looking at? Millions? Tens of millions? Hundreds of millions? Billions?
By the way, didn't some researchers find that the swine flu vaccine also helps protect against H5N1?
There is no way for anyone to know. Contracting the flu does not equal death.hammertime said:What I'm wondering is this: if H5N1 does become easily transmissible among humans, what kind of death toll are we looking at? Millions? Tens of millions? Hundreds of millions? Billions?
H5N1 is a type of avian influenza virus that primarily infects birds. However, it has the potential to mutate and spread to humans, causing severe respiratory illness and sometimes death. This is a concern because it has the potential to cause a global pandemic if it becomes easily transmissible between humans.
H5N1 primarily spreads through contact with infected birds or their droppings. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. To prevent its spread, it is important to avoid contact with infected birds, properly handle and cook poultry products, and practice good hygiene such as washing hands regularly.
There is currently a vaccine for H5N1, but it is not widely available and its effectiveness is still being studied. Additionally, the virus can mutate quickly, making it difficult for vaccines to keep up with its changes. This is why it is important to continue monitoring and studying the virus to improve prevention and treatment methods.
Governments and organizations around the world are taking steps to prepare for a potential H5N1 pandemic. This includes surveillance and monitoring of the virus, developing and stockpiling antiviral medications, and creating response plans in case of an outbreak. It is important for individuals to also be prepared by staying informed and following recommended prevention measures.
The likelihood of an H5N1 pandemic is difficult to predict, as it depends on various factors such as the virus's ability to mutate and spread, and the effectiveness of prevention and response efforts. However, it is important to take the threat seriously and continue to monitor and prepare for potential outbreaks.