The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first human case of H5N1 bird flu involving a dairy worker. This case marks a rare zoonotic transmission, as H5N1 is primarily known to infect bird populations globally. Despite the virus's presence in wild birds, recent reports of outbreaks among dairy cattle are being investigated for their veracity and potential implications.
The CDC describes the risk to the general public as low but is closely monitoring the situation. They are coordinating with state health departments to track individuals with significant animal exposure and to analyze the virus from the affected individual. Initial studies indicate that the virus remains susceptible to existing flu antiviral drugs.
A candidate vaccine virus (CVV) has been developed and could be utilized to manufacture a vaccine if the situation escalates.
Currently, outbreaks have been reported in eight states affecting 32 dairy herds. Nationwide, approximately 90.6 million poultry in 48 states have been impacted by the H5N1 outbreaks.
In Mississippi, no new outbreaks in cattle or poultry have been reported since March 16, 2023. The CDC recommends that the public avoid direct contact with wild birds and practice rigorous hygiene, such as frequent hand washing. Contact with domestic birds or animals, alive or deceased, and their by-products should be minimized, regardless of their health condition.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture outlines several symptoms indicative of Avian Flu in birds, including sudden death, decreased appetite, reduced egg production, and respiratory distress.
Anyone experiencing symptoms after contact with potentially infected animals should self-isolate immediately and contact health authorities, such as the Mississippi Department of Health at 1-866-458-4948.
As the virus continues to affect various animal populations, including reported cases in barn cats, vigilance is urged. To report unusual symptoms in wildlife, the public can contact the CDC at 1-866-536-7593.
