Ok, so important study came out today about H5N1. And even if you normally think that I'm way too worried about this, you might want to pay attention.
It was a study of only TWO of the 173 farms we KNOW have had H5N1 in cows.
It was a study of only TWO of the 173 farms we KNOW have had H5N1 in cows.
We know that's probably an undercount from previous studies.
They tested 14 farmworkers, and found that two had had symptomatic respiratory illness at the same time the cows were sick, and both tested positive for antibodies.
They tested 14 farmworkers, and found that two had had symptomatic respiratory illness at the same time the cows were sick, and both tested positive for antibodies.
At least three other farmworkers from the same farms, who were not tested were also symptomatic at the same time.
The farmworkers had not been provided with PPE. Most concerning, one of the workers was NOT a dairy worker, but served food in a cafeteria to other farmworkers.
The farmworkers had not been provided with PPE. Most concerning, one of the workers was NOT a dairy worker, but served food in a cafeteria to other farmworkers.
They may have either been infected by raw milk being pasteurized nearby, OR by human to human transmission. We just don't know.
This confirms that reports of people ill at the same time as cows that go ack to February are probably indicative of missed H5N1 cases.
This confirms that reports of people ill at the same time as cows that go ack to February are probably indicative of missed H5N1 cases.
Guys, this is the sporadic human clusters that represents Level 5 of 6. We can add in probable missed cases indicated by spiked human wastewater in at least some major cities.
The agricultural fairs have begun, with no protections. Poultry, pigs and cows, together.
The agricultural fairs have begun, with no protections. Poultry, pigs and cows, together.
And human flu season starts in a month or so, and flu viruses reassort easily.
Guys it will be a freakin' miracle if we don't have a pandemic before the end of the year. I implore you, if you have ANY EXTRA RESOURCES prepare NOW, and be ready to help others.
Guys it will be a freakin' miracle if we don't have a pandemic before the end of the year. I implore you, if you have ANY EXTRA RESOURCES prepare NOW, and be ready to help others.
If I'm wrong, you can laugh at me and I'll take it with good cheer. But this is really serious. Previous outbreaks have a 50% mortality rate.
And yes, I know most of the farmworkers haven't died. That was true of the flu deaths in the first round of 1918 too.
And yes, I know most of the farmworkers haven't died. That was true of the flu deaths in the first round of 1918 too.
The virus just isn't very good at infecting humans yet. Do you want to bet your life and your posterity that it won't get better? Do you want to to bet that people will be going to work with a 10-50% mortality rate?
That the banks and grocery stores and factories in China will be open? That the hospitals won't be overwhelmed? That antivirals will be available? That everything will go on as usual? We need to get ready, now. (More on what to do coming up soon.)
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
