US health officials have confirmed that a person in the state of Missouri has become the first person in the US to test positive for bird flu without known exposure to an infected animal.
The patient was hospitalized and has recovered, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
This is the 14th human case of bird flu in the U.S. in 2024 and the first without contact with an infected animal, according to the CDC.
The agency said that, based on the data it currently holds, the risk to the general public remains low.
Bird flu is a disease caused by a virus infection that primarily affects birds and other animals. Human infections are rare.
Previous US cases have been traced back to exposure to infected poultry or cattle, but the Missouri patient marks “the first case of H5 without exposure to sick or infected animals,” the CDC said in a statement Friday.
Also read: 7 Ways to Prevent the Spread of Bird Flu
The Missouri case was detected through routine flu season surveillance. The patient had underlying medical conditions and was receiving antiviral flu medication.
Bird flu has been on the rise in cattle in the U.S. this year. The first outbreak was reported in March, and cattle in 14 states had been affected by it as of Sept. 3, according to the CDC.
Bird flu outbreaks have not been found in livestock in Missouri, but have been reported in poultry this year and in wild birds in the past, health officials said.
Also read: Increase Awareness of the Risk of Bird Flu Transmission at the Country’s Entry Points
US health officials discovered a human case of bird flu in March 2024, identified after exposure to a potentially infected dairy cow.
Bird flu was first detected in China in the 1990s, and has since spread to every continent including Antarctica.
World health officials believe the current risk to humans is low, but have been actively monitoring the disease for years.
The disease has affected wildlife around the world, infecting species as diverse as sea lions, seals and bears. (BBC/B-3)
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What are the implications of the first human case of bird flu in the US without known animal exposure for public health policy?
Table of Contents
Breaking News: First Human Case of Bird Flu Without Animal Exposure Confirmed in the US
In a startling development, US health officials have confirmed the first human case of bird flu without known exposure to an infected animal. The patient, from the state of Missouri, was hospitalized and has since recovered. This marks the 14th human case of bird flu in the US this year and the first without contact with an infected animal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Bird Flu on the Rise in Cattle
Bird flu, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), has been spreading rapidly in cattle across the US this year. The first outbreak was reported in March, and as of September 3, cattle in 14 states had been affected, according to the CDC [[2]]. In fact, the virus has been detected in dairy farms in multiple states, with cows testing positive for H5N1 avian influenza [[1]].
Risks to Human Health
While bird flu is primarily a disease affecting birds and other animals, human infections can occur. Fortunately, human cases are rare, and the risk to the general public remains low, according to the CDC. However, the recent Missouri case raises concerns about the potential for human-to-human transmission.
H5N1 Virus: A Growing Concern
The H5N1 virus, a subtype of the bird flu virus, has been detected in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in the US [[2]]. The virus has already caused several human cases in the US, with the Missouri patient being the first to contract the virus without exposure to an infected animal.
Prevention is Key
While the risk to human health is low, it is essential to take preventive measures to stop the spread of bird flu. Here are some ways to prevent the spread of bird flu:
Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently
Avoid close contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces
Use personal protective equipment when handling animals or cleaning up after them
Ensure proper disposal of animal waste and carcasses
* Stay informed about bird flu outbreaks in your area
Conclusion
The first human case of bird flu without animal exposure is a concerning development in the ongoing bird flu outbreak. While the risk to human health is low, it is crucial to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to stop the spread of the virus. As bird flu continues to affect cattle and poultry in the US, it is essential to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and others from this potentially deadly disease.
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What are the potential implications of the first human case of bird flu in the US without animal exposure for public health policies?
Breaking News: First Human Case of Bird Flu Without Animal Exposure Confirmed in the US
In a startling development, US health officials have confirmed the first human case of bird flu without known exposure to an infected animal. The patient, from the state of Missouri, was hospitalized and has since recovered. This marks the 14th human case of bird flu in the US this year and the first without contact with an infected animal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Bird Flu on the Rise in Cattle
Bird flu, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), has been spreading rapidly in cattle across the US this year. The first outbreak was reported in March, and as of September 3, cattle in 14 states had been affected, according to the CDC [[2]]. In fact, the virus has been detected in dairy farms in multiple states, with cows testing positive for H5N1 avian influenza [[1]].
Risks to Human Health
While bird flu is primarily a disease affecting birds and other animals, human infections can occur. Fortunately, human cases are rare, and the risk to the general public remains low, according to the CDC. However, the recent Missouri case raises concerns about the potential for human-to-human transmission.
H5N1 Virus: A Growing Concern
The H5N1 virus, a subtype of the bird flu virus, has been detected in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in the US [[2]]. The virus has already caused several human cases in the US, with the Missouri patient being the first to contract the virus without exposure to an infected animal.
Prevention is Key
While the risk to human health is
