WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — In a concerning development, health authorities have reported the first U.S. human case of bird flu (H5) in an individual without known exposure to infected animals. An adult patient from Missouri, with underlying health conditions, was diagnosed after being admitted to the hospital on August 22. Following treatment with antiviral medications, the patient has since recovered and been discharged.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services disclosed the details of this case on Friday. Initial tests on the patient suggested an unusual flu strain, prompting further analysis at state and federal laboratories, which confirmed the presence of the H5 virus, commonly known as avian or bird flu.
This marks the 14th bird flu case in the United States this year, but notably, the first instance where the individual had no known contact with infected animals. Typically, previous cases involved farmworkers and others directly interacting with poultry and wild birds.
Despite the Missouri health department’s confirmation that no H5 infections have been reported in dairy cattle within the state, there have been cases detected in commercial or backyard flocks and wild birds. This incident stands as a stark reminder that while bird flu predominantly circulates among wild birds and poultry, it can also affect mammals, including humans, through close contact or contaminated environments.
The CDC continues to evaluate the public health risk of bird flu as low. However, they caution that circumstances could evolve rapidly with new information. Historically, while there have been rare human cases without identifiable animal sources, there has been no confirmed sustained human-to-human transmission of the H5 virus. Such a development would significantly escalate the threat level.
Bird flu’s primary occurrence in wild birds and poultry doesn’t preclude its spread to mammals, as evidenced by an unusual cattle outbreak this year. Vigilant monitoring and quick response remain critical to mitigating potential risks associated with the spread of avian flu to broader human populations.
Key Takeaways:
- Missouri reports the first U.S. bird flu case in a human without known exposure to infected animals.
- The adult patient has underlying conditions, was treated in a hospital, and has since recovered.
- The case underscores the need for ongoing surveillance and swift action to mitigate potential risks.
The public and health professionals alike are urged to remain vigilant, as evolving circumstances could necessitate rapid responses to emerging threats.
