The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues health alert after bird flu case reported
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert on Friday regarding a case of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in a person who had contact with dairy cows in Texas.
A farmworker on a commercial dairy farm in Texas developed conjunctivitis last week and subsequently tested positive for bird flu, according to the CDC.
The case of bird flu in the farmworker came to light after milk from dairy cows in Texas and Kansas tested positive for the disease.
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This recent infection is the second reported case of bird flu in humans in the U.S, following a case in Colorado in 2022.
A case of bird flu was found in a farmer who had contact with dairy cows. ©
CDC has reported that the current risk of bird flu viruses to the public is low. However, individuals who are regularly in contact with infected birds, cattle, or other animals are at a higher risk of infection and should take necessary precautions.
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Since 1997, there have been 900 sporadic human cases of bird flu reported in 23 countries around the world.
More than half of the reported cases have resulted in death.
Scientific sampling of eggs in poor condition, analysis of avian influenza in humans, conceptual image ©
While the fatality rate for humans is high, avian influenza in birds leads to a near 100% fatality rate.
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AVIAN INFLUENZA: SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE AND HOW IT AFFECTS BIRDS AND HUMANS
Since 2015–16, the number of bird flu cases in humans has decreased significantly, and there have been only a few sporadic cases reported worldwide since 2022.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirms that milk obtained from dairy cows in Texas and Kansas has tested positive for bird flu.
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Humans who become infected with avian influenza typically exhibit no symptoms or only mild symptoms. Individuals with severe cases may experience common flu-like symptoms such as cough, headache, shortness of breath, sore throat, fever, chills, fatigue, and a runny nose.
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A diagnosis of avian influenza is made through laboratory testing.
Individuals concerned about contracting bird flu can protect themselves by using protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and by practicing frequent handwashing.
Select individuals are eligible to receive the annual influenza vaccine.
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