Second U.S. H5 Bird Flu Case Linked to Dairy Cow Outbreak Confirmed
Source: The DairyNews
U.S. health authorities have confirmed a new human case of the H5N1 bird flu virus in Michigan, marking the second instance tied to an ongoing multistate outbreak in dairy cows.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the infected individual is a dairy farm worker where the H5N1 virus was detected among cows.
The worker exhibited mild symptoms, specifically conjunctivitis, similar to the case of another dairy worker in Texas who contracted the virus in March. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the CDC, stated during a press call that the development was anticipated and well-prepared for by health officials.
Despite this new case, the CDC maintains that there is no significant influenza activity linked to the outbreak observable in humans through its surveillance systems. Consequently, the CDC continues to assess the H5N1 bird flu's human health risk as low for the general U.S. population. However, they caution that those with close or prolonged contact with infected animals or contaminated environments may be at increased risk.
The worker exhibited mild symptoms, specifically conjunctivitis, similar to the case of another dairy worker in Texas who contracted the virus in March. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the CDC, stated during a press call that the development was anticipated and well-prepared for by health officials.
Despite this new case, the CDC maintains that there is no significant influenza activity linked to the outbreak observable in humans through its surveillance systems. Consequently, the CDC continues to assess the H5N1 bird flu's human health risk as low for the general U.S. population. However, they caution that those with close or prolonged contact with infected animals or contaminated environments may be at increased risk.
