Bird Flu Threat to Pregnant Women and Unborn Babies: A Cause for Concern?
A review of over 1,500 research papers revealed a 90% mortality rate among pregnant women infected with bird flu, with 87% of their babies also succumbing. This alarming finding, based on 30 confirmed cases across several countries, highlights the vulnerability of pregnant women to this virus, despite the overall rarity of human infections. The lack of safety data currently prevents the inclusion of pregnant women in avian influenza vaccine trials, creating a significant public health concern. While the risk of a pandemic remains low, the study underscores the need for research into protecting this vulnerable population.
John Q. Hosedrinker