CDC Reports Third Human Case of Bird Flu in Michigan Dairy Worker
Source: The DairyNews
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on Thursday the third human case of bird flu in a Michigan dairy worker, marking a continued concern amid the nationwide outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza among cattle. This latest instance involves a different herd than the one linked to the previous case reported last week in the state.
CDC Principal Deputy Director Nirva Shah informed reporters that the worker has exhibited upper respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, which differ from the symptoms (primarily conjunctivitis) reported in the earlier two cases among dairy workers since March. Both respiratory and eye-related symptoms are typical of H5 influenza infections, Shah explained.
Despite this new case, Shah reassured the public that the CDC's overall risk assessment remains unchanged, and the risk to the general public continues to be low. Meanwhile, CDC scientists are conducting tests on the virus sample from the recently infected Michigan patient to learn more about the evolution of virus strains.
Despite this new case, Shah reassured the public that the CDC's overall risk assessment remains unchanged, and the risk to the general public continues to be low. Meanwhile, CDC scientists are conducting tests on the virus sample from the recently infected Michigan patient to learn more about the evolution of virus strains.
