Public Health Experts Warn: U.S. Risks Repeating COVID Mistakes with Bird Flu Response

Public health experts are sounding the alarm over the U.S. response to the ongoing spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus, warning that the country is repeating the detrimental mistakes it made during the COVID-19 pandemic. This caution comes as avian influenza continues to permeate American farms, raising concerns that it could mutate into a strain capable of human transmission. The insights were detailed in a recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, co-authored by Gregg Gonsalves, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. Gonsalves argues that the U.S. is failing to learn critical lessons from its past public health crises. "We're closing our eyes to both the Covid pandemic and to a potential nascent bird flu pandemic on the horizon," he stated, emphasizing that the nation's ability to respond swiftly and effectively remains a significant challenge. Experts emphasize that the most pressing public health issue is not just the immediate threats posed by pathogens but the broader "social epidemic of forgetting" that has emerged since COVID-19. The U.S. response to COVID-19 was marred by several systemic issues: inadequate testing, inconsistent data reporting, political divisions, and a lack of equitable healthcare access. Gonsalves points out that these same pitfalls are becoming evident in the current handling of bird flu. The lack of proactive measures, such as adequate surveillance of the virus's spread among avian populations, mirrors the slow response seen during the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak. Despite the historical context—global officials have been wary of H5N1 since its first human cases appeared in 1997—the U.S. has seen its pandemic preparedness erode since it was ranked No. 1 in 2019. The sobering reality is that the country suffered more than 1.2 million deaths from COVID-19, a statistic that continues to prompt experts to scrutinize the failures in preparedness and response. The article underscores that while the immediate threat from H5N1 may currently be low, the potential for human-to-human transmission is a risk that should not be overlooked. Gonsalves warns against waiting for such developments to occur before taking decisive action, stating, “Right now, the imminent risk is low, but the point is, we don’t wait for that to happen.” A significant hurdle in the U.S. response framework is the complex web of federal, state, and local health authority responsibilities. Although there have been calls for the CDC to be empowered to lead pandemic responses, no substantial changes have been enacted, leaving a fragmented health response system. This disarray has been amplified by new laws in at least 26 states that restrict public health authority, potentially crippling responses to future health crises. Gonsalves points to the troubling implications of these legislative measures, noting that they could hinder timely actions necessary to protect children and other vulnerable populations in future pandemics. “We’re fixated on what just happened, not having any sort of imagination of what a new pandemic could bring,” he said, predicting that the next outbreak could be even more severe than COVID-19. The political landscape has also become a hindrance, as divisions deepen and anti-vaccine sentiment could obstruct both the development and distribution of essential vaccines and treatments. The end of Operation Warp Speed, which accelerated COVID-19 vaccine production, further complicates the landscape, leaving experts concerned about the U.S. readiness for future outbreaks. Healthcare inequities exacerbated by the pandemic have persisted, with access to vaccines and essential healthcare services still compromised for many Americans. Gonsalves highlights that while the U.S. possesses some of the most advanced healthcare facilities, the public health system has failed to address primary care and preventive medicine adequately. Despite the missteps of the recent past, experts remain hopeful that corrective measures can still be implemented. Gonsalves advocates for a renewed commitment to public health preparedness, urging authorities to update their strategies for respiratory viruses and improve indoor air quality. He reminds us that the COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment for American public health, and the lessons learned should not be ignored. "The best way to avoid the pain that we've felt in the past four years is being prepared," he concluded, emphasizing the urgent need for a collective, proactive approach to public health challenges ahead.