Bird Flu Outbreak: Third Person Infected in the US
Three human cases of bird flu have been reported in the US since March, with the latest case involving a dairy worker from Michigan who experienced respiratory symptoms such as coughing and watery discharge from the eyes. This marks a departure from previous cases where individuals only displayed eye symptoms.
All three cases involve workers on different farms in Michigan and Texas. The viruses were confirmed as influenza A(H5), the avian influenza strain.
The CDC and state health departments are monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of protecting farm workers from possible exposure to infected livestock. Proper use of personal protective equipment is advised.
As many as 67 herds in nine states have been affected by bird flu, including Michigan, Colorado, Kansas, Idaho, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.
The USDA has announced $824m in new funding to protect livestock health during this outbreak. The infected meat did not enter the food supply.
It is important to note that the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low. However, this latest development underscores the need for heightened vigilance and precautions as we continue to monitor and address this outbreak.