The risk of human-to-human transmission of the H5N8 strain of bird flu appears to be low, after it was first identified in farm workers in Russia, stated the World Health Organization (WHO).

Russia reported the first case of a strain of bird flu virus H5N8 being passed to humans from birds. The matter was notified to the WHO. Seven people in Russia were found to be infected with H5N8 strain after an outbreak on a poultry farm in Astrakhan. All of the affected individuals were asymptomatic, stated the WHO. Close contacts of the cases were monitored, and none of them showed signs of clinical illness. Therefore, on the basis of the available information, the risk of human-to-human transmission appears to be low, said WHO… (Reuters, February 26, 2021)