CDC Issues Alert For H5N1 Avian Influenza Infection In The US

A farm worker from Texas has been reported to be infected with the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, making it the second case of its kind identified in a person in the .United States

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert on Friday to inform clinicians, state health departments, and the public about the case of avian influenza in the farm worker. The infection is believed to have occurred due to contact with dairy cows presumed to be infected with the virus.

The farm worker was reported to be infected on April 1, following a previous case in Colorado in 2022. This incident marks a significant development as the virus is now spreading to new mammals, including dairy cattle, for the first time.

To prevent the spread of the virus, the CDC recommends several measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, antiviral treatment, patient investigations, and monitoring of individuals exposed to sick or dead wild and domesticated animals and livestock that may have been infected.

Despite this new case, the CDC emphasizes that the risk assessment for the U.S. general public from H5N1 bird flu remains low. The infected patient from Texas reportedly experienced eye inflammation as the sole symptom, according to the state’s health department.

Efforts are underway to contain the spread of the virus and to monitor individuals who may have been exposed. The CDC continues to closely monitor the situation and provide guidance to healthcare professionals and the public to prevent further cases of avian influenza.

(Media Source)