New H5N1 Avian Flu Variant Found in Nevada Dairy Worker: Virus Shows Significant Changes

Positive Case of H5N1 in Dairy Worker

A dairy worker in Nevada has potentially tested positive for the H5N1 avian flu strain, a variant that has already claimed a life and caused severe illness in another person. CNN reported that the worker was exposed to the virus's D1.1 version, with confirmation tests underway by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Emergence of D1.1 Variant

The new variant D1.1 has emerged following earlier reports of the virus in Texas herds. Symptoms of the infection include conjunctivitis, as seen in earlier North American cases since March 2024.

Federal Health Response

Reports indicate that federal health officials identified at least four dairy herds in Nevada infected with the D1.1 strain, associated with previous severe cases in Louisiana and Canada. The D1.1 strain has shown significant genetic changes, potentially enabling easier transmission among mammals, including humans.

Ongoing Investigations and Concerns

Researchers are trying to understand the spread of the virus, which coincided with mass bird die-offs in the area. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report highlights changes in the virus's genetic code that might make it more transmissible among humans.

Expert Opinions

Jennifer Nuzzo from Brown University's School of Public Health emphasized the mild symptoms observed in the latest case but cautioned against underestimating H5N1's potential severity. The variant’s impact remains partially understood, and efforts to track and mitigate further infection are underway.

John Korslund, a former USDA scientist, expressed concern over the need for transparency and regulatory actions to protect workers and manage the virus.