Colorado Confirms Four Human Cases of H5 Bird Flu; CDC Maintains Low Public Risk
July 14, 2024 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed four human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) – commonly known as H5 bird flu – in Colorado. These cases stem from an outbreak at a poultry facility,and involve farm workers involved in the process of depopulating infected birds.A fifth presumptive positive case is currently awaiting confirmation at the CDC.
The confirmed cases, initially reported by Colorado state health officials on Friday, July 12th, represent the first instances of H5 virus infection in poultry workers in the U.S. as April 2022. Colorado previously reported a case in a dairy worker on July 3rd, indicating ongoing H5N1 outbreaks affecting both poultry and dairy farms within the state.
Mild Symptoms Reported
All four individuals who tested positive reported experiencing mild illness, characterized by symptoms including conjunctivitis (pink eye) with tearing, fever, chills, coughing, and sore throat/runny nose. Health officials are continuing to monitor workers at the facility and anticipate the possibility of additional confirmed cases as testing progresses.
CDC Response & Ongoing Monitoring
A nine-person multidisciplinary team from the CDC, including epidemiologists, veterinarians, clinicians, and an industrial hygienist, is currently on the ground in colorado. This team is supporting the state’s assessment of the poultry outbreak and the associated human cases. Genetic sequencing of the virus is underway to determine the specific subtype and to identify any mutations that could perhaps alter the risk assessment.Results are expected within 1-2 days.
Public Risk Remains Low
Despite these confirmed cases, the CDC currently assesses the risk to the general public as low. The agency emphasizes that these infections are directly linked to exposure to infected poultry.There have been no unexpected increases in flu activity reported in Colorado or other states experiencing H5 bird flu outbreaks in cows and poultry.
“These cases underscore the importance of taking precautions when working with potentially infected animals,” a CDC spokesperson stated.
The CDC currently has over 170 staff deployed as part of its H5N1 response, and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Resources:
* CDC Avian Flu Information: https://tools.cdc.gov/bird-flu/about/index.html
* CDC H5N1 Situation Summary: [http://toolscdcgov/bird-flu/situation[http://toolscdcgov/bird-flu/situation[http://toolscdcgov/bird-flu/situation[http://toolscdcgov/bird-flu/situation
