CDC warns that the risk of avian flu to humans could be increasing

The CDC issues an avian flu warning.

It is spreading among dairy cows in Michigan.

Is it a danger to residents?

Health authorities in the United States are on alert for a potential increase in avian flu cases.

Although the virus currently does not easily spread among humans, there is concern it could mutate and become a more serious threat.

Authorities are working to monitor and prevent the spread of the disease.

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The CDC issues an avian flu warning

Photo: Getty Images

U.S. health authorities announced on Friday that they are preparing for the “possibility of an increased risk to human health” from avian flu infections.

This follows two cases found in individuals who had been in contact with infected cattle, according to EFE.

The warning states that although the currently circulating H5N1 virus does not have the capacity to spread easily among people, «it is possible that it could change» and could easily infect humans.

What did the CDC say?

Photo: Shutterstock

Last Wednesday, the CDC reported that the second case of avian flu was detected in a human who had been in contact with infected dairy cows.

The case was identified in a dairy worker in Michigan who had been regularly exposed to livestock infected with the avian flu.

After being exposed to the virus, the man was monitored, and when he reported symptoms, a nasal swab tested negative for the disease at the Michigan Department of Public Health and Human Services (MDHHS) laboratories.

However, an eye sample was sent to the CDC for analysis, which ultimately confirmed the infection.

What does the avian flu warning say?

Avian flu confirmed in dairy herds across 3 more West Michigan counties https://t.co/r9FakTnRg6

— BirdieBittern (@BirdieBittern) April 13, 2024

MDHHS said the agricultural worker has recovered and gave no further information about the patient.

This is the second infection in a person who had been exposed to livestock infected with the virus.

Last month, health authorities in Texas confirmed that a man had tested positive for avian flu.

At the end of March, it was reported that dairy cows in Texas and Kansas were infected.

Concern grows!

Michigan reports H5 avian flu in dairy farm worker | CIDRAP
**This makes the third confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a human who worked w/ infected cow herd. CDC is examining genetic evidence to look for mutations for human susceptibility https://t.co/NwBdZdtS64

— Max Powers (@MaxPowerRocks) May 23, 2024

Days later, officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported infections in a herd of dairy cows in Michigan that had recently received cattle from Texas.

Infections among livestock in New Mexico and Illinois have also been investigated, according to ABC News.

The announcement of the recent infection of dairy cows in the U.S. adds a concerning dimension to an outbreak that has affected millions of birds and marine mammals worldwide.

The virus identified as H5N1 is a subtype of avian influenza that is highly contagious among birds.

What is the CDC doing to protect the population?

A second confirmed case of H5N1 avian flu has been reported, this time in Michigan. Once again, the infected person is a dairy farm worker.

Our alarm continues to grow. 1/ pic.twitter.com/kTlnFhIsDb

— United Farm Workers (@UFWupdates) May 25, 2024

The CDC is working closely with U.S. state health departments to monitor other potential cases of individuals who may have been in contact with infected birds or animals.

The case reported this week becomes the third case of H5N1 avian flu in people in the United States. The first was recorded in 2022.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is advancing to have 4.8 million doses of avian flu vaccine.

These will be kept in the national stockpile, in case it is needed.