Missouri Reports First Human Case of Bird Flu In The US Without Direct Animal Contact

The United States has confirmed a human case of bird flu in Missouri involving an individual with no known contact with infected animals. The patient, who had underlying health issues, was hospitalized and has since recovered, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This case marks the 14th instance of bird flu in the US this year but is notable for being the first without any direct occupational exposure to infected animals, as highlighted by the CDC. Previous cases in the US were linked to contact with poultry or cattle.

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Health officials identified this case through routine flu season surveillance. The patient received antiviral treatment for the flu, according to media reports.

Despite this, the CDC reassures that the overall risk to the public remains low. Bird flu, primarily affecting birds and some animals, is rare in humans. The virus emerged in China in the 1990s and has since spread globally, impacting not only birds but also animals such as sea lions, seals, and bears.

This year, bird flu outbreaks have increased, particularly among cattle in 14 states as of early September, though no outbreaks have been reported in Missouri’s cattle. However, poultry and wild bird populations in Missouri have experienced cases this year.

Health experts continue to monitor the disease closely, despite the low risk to humans, due to its significant impact on wildlife across various continents, including Antarctica.

(With inputs from online sources)

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