The sole known human incidence of bird flu was in Colorado in 2022 and included direct contact with livestock.
This Monday, Texas officials announced the second human case of bird flu in US history, involving a person who had been exposed to dairy animals.
The Texas Department of State Health Services states that although it was assumed that the dairy animals had avian flu, the infection does not pose a threat to the commercial milk supply. U.S. officials report that dairy cows in Kansas, Michigan, and New Mexico have also tested positive for bird flu; however, they do not advise depopulating the herds. The government stated that pasteurization destroys avian flu viruses and that any milk from a sick cow must be disposed of or diverted.
in the other hand, bird flu in chicken farms necessitates flock culling. The biggest producer of fresh eggs announced on Tuesday that it has temporarily halted production following the discovery of avian flu in hens at a plant in Texas. According to Cal-Maine Foods Inc., around 1.6 million laying hens and, as a result, 337,000 young chickens, or roughly 3.6% of the flock overall, perished. According to the corporation, in order to safeguard production and limit client interruption, it is collaborating with other facilities.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reported that the infection doesn’t alter its “low” bird flu human health risk assessment for the general population, confirmed the human case. However, in a health advisory sent on Friday, the CDC advised medical professionals to rule out bird flu in patients exhibiting acute respiratory illness symptoms or conjunctivitis and who have a relevant exposure history. Additionally, it cautioned people not to approach sick animals.
The only known human incidence of bird flu occurred in Colorado in 2022 and involved a person who had close contact with livestock.
The CDC stated in a news statement that “continuous surveillance and preparedness efforts are critical because influenza viruses constantly change, and the CDC is taking measures in case the public health risk assessment changes.” “This is a developing situation, and as new pertinent information becomes available, the CDC will share additional updates.”
What does the new case tell us?
The Texas patient tested positive for avian flu last week, and the CDC’s additional testing conducted over the weekend confirmed the results. The patient is receiving treatment with an antiviral medication, and the sole symptom that was reported was “eye inflammation.”
The patient was instructed to be alone while they recovered. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “people are at greater risk of infection with close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals (including livestock), or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals.”
According to the organization, “CDC is collaborating with state health departments to keep an eye on employees who might have come into contact with infected or possibly infected birds/animals and test those who show symptoms.”
Bird Flu: What Is It?
According to the CDC, bird flu is a form of flu virus that primarily affects wild birds but can also infect other species. It is common among untamed birds both domestically and abroad. Although it is “extremely rare for it to be transmitted from one person to another,” the organization states that it does occasionally infect humans.
The CDC advises against unprotected contact with sick or deceased animals that may have bird flu, whether it is proven or suspected. If exposed, they should wear personal protective equipment and be observed for ten days afterward for any symptoms. Bird flu is not prevented by seasonal flu shots.
What Are Human Bird Flu Symptoms?
According to the CDC, human instances of bird flu can range from mild cases to severe sickness.
Human symptoms of the avian flu can include:
- Eye redness
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath or difficult breathing
The CDC lists vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures as less frequent symptoms.
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