A person in Texas was diagnosed with a highly virulent strain of bird flu, the first such case since the virus was found in dairy cattle in several states last week. The infected person worked on a dairy where some cows tested positive for the H5N1 strain of bird flu, which is highly pathogenic. It is unclear whether the person was infected by a dairy cow or through the same source as the infected dairy cows, believed to be dead waterfowl. The CDC stated that the human health risk assessment remains low, despite the severity of this strain of avian flu. The virus is rare but fatal in over 50% of those infected.
This is the second human case of this strain of bird flu in the U.S, the first being confirmed in a Colorado man in 2022. The highly contagious virus spreads quickly among birds, including domestic chickens, with cases also being confirmed in non-bird species such as polar bears, foxes, and marine mammals. Cases of this strain of bird flu have been more common in other parts of the world. As birds migrate during spring, more outbreaks in various animals are likely to occur, as they may spread the virus through their feces contaminating water sources.
The CDC reassures the public that the human health risk from this virus remains low, particularly for those who do not work with livestock. Eating unpasteurized dairy products from animals with suspected or confirmed cases of bird flu is advised against, though commercial milk and meat products have been deemed safe. The U.S. Department of Agriculture does not expect the bird flu cases in cattle to impact food safety or supply. The virus does not appear to be airborne and has not mutated to spread between cows.
Public health experts emphasize the importance of monitoring the virus, as it could adapt and potentially infect humans more easily. If the virus were to affect pigs, it could pose a greater threat as pigs are more similar to humans and could facilitate the transmission of the virus from animals to humans. Vaccinations for avian flu are available in a small stockpile, and existing antiviral drugs like Tamiflu can be used to treat bird flu in humans. People are advised not to panic, as health officials are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond if the virus begins to spread among humans.
The CDC maintains that the overall risk to the general public remains low, despite the severity of the virus. Early detection and containment efforts are being made to prevent the spread of the virus and protect public health. The cases of bird flu in dairy cows in several states are being closely monitored to ensure the safety of the food supply and prevent the virus from infecting humans. By taking appropriate precautions and following guidelines from health officials, the public can help minimize the risk of exposure to this highly virulent strain of avian flu.
