A person tested positive for the avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, after contact with dairy cows presumed to be infected.
The CDC disclosed that the individual had been exposed to dairy cattle in Texas, assumed to carry HPAI A(H5N1) viruses. The only symptom reported was eye redness, and the patient is currently recovering. They have been instructed to isolate and are receiving antiviral treatment for flu.
This development heightens concerns regarding the outbreak, which has already affected millions of birds, marine mammals globally, and more recently, cows in the United States. However, the CDC said the infection does not change the H5N1 bird flu human health risk assessment for the U.S. general public, which the health agency considers to be low.
Nevertheless, individuals with close or prolonged, unprotected contact with infected birds, other animals (including livestock), or contaminated environments are at higher risk.
Federal officials said they have not observed any signs of the virus evolving to facilitate easier human-to-human transmission.
The CDC, in collaboration with state health departments, is actively monitoring individuals who may have encountered infected or potentially infected birds/animals and testing those who develop symptoms.
This is the second person reported to have tested positive for influenza A(H5N1) viruses in the United States. A previous human case occurred in 2022 in Colorado.
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