Janice R. Andrews
A worrying development is that a fourth American has tested positive with avian influenza, also referred to as “bird flu.” This situation arises in the midst of a worldwide pandemic that affects animals, including chickens.
Latest Case Details
Health officials confirmed that a dairy worker in Colorado was infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). This infection is linked to a multi-state outbreak in dairy cows, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The patient experienced mild symptoms, including pink eye, and has since recovered.
Since March, H5N1 avian influenza has spread to over 139 dairy cattle herds across 12 U.S. states. Previous human cases in the U.S. include a dairy worker in Texas and two farmworkers in Michigan. These cases are unrelated and occurred at different farms.
Global Context
The news of the fourth U.S. case comes shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a fatal case of avian influenza A (H5N2) in Mexico, marking the first laboratory-confirmed human case of H5N2 globally. Additionally, a child in Australia was recently infected with bird flu but has since recovered.
Current Case Information
Health officials have verified that a Colorado dairy worker contracted the highly dangerous H5N1 avian influenza. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have connected this illness to a multi-state outbreak in dairy cows. Pink eye was one of the patient’s minor symptoms, but she has since recovered.
In 12 U.S. states, H5N1 avian influenza has infected over 139 dairy cattle herds since March. Two farmworkers in Michigan and a dairy worker in Texas are among the previous human cases in the United States. These are unrelated cases that happened at several farms.
Bird Flu Symptoms
Human cases of bird flu vary in intensity. While some people may only have minor symptoms, others may become really unwell and need to be admitted to the hospital. Symptoms reported consist of:
- High temperature
- Cough
- runny nose
- Aches in the muscles
- Headache
- Weary
- Breathlessness
- irritation or redness in the eyes (conjunctivitis)
- The diarrhea
- emesis
- throwing up
- Bird flu can cause pneumonia, respiratory failure, and other problems in severe cases. In addition to eye redness and conjunctivitis, one patient also reported having a fever and cough in the most recent U.S. cases. After receiving antiviral therapy, every patient has subsequently recovered.
Transmission as well as Avoidance
Humans contract bird flu viruses mostly via intimate contact with infected birds or contaminated settings. Transmission from person to person is quite rare. The CDC advises avoiding direct contact with wild birds, staying away from poultry farms, wearing protective gear while handling poultry, and washing your hands frequently to lower your risk of infection.
Pasteurized milk is safe to consume, and there is no proof that properly cooked chicken, eggs, or beef may transmit the bird flu.
It is still essential for the general population to be aware of the situation and adopt the appropriate safety measures to stop the spread of avian influenza, even while health officials keep an eye on things.
