Third human case of H5N1 infection confirmed in the U.S.
Quickly, news of a new bird flu infection in a person would surface. But this time, it's different. Medical professionals in the United States view it as posing no increased threat to the general public.
Three instances of H5N1 infection in a human have been verified in the US. Authorities from the Michigan Health Department report that a laborer had direct exposure to infected cows. This is the second incident in the state. The first instance of believed H5N1 infection through contact with contaminated cows involved a worker in Texas several weeks before. "None of these three cases are related," said the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In the initial two cases, the individuals experienced symptoms akin to conjunctivitis. Now it's distinct. The current case's individual also faces respiratory issues, including coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and watery eyes, as per CNN. "This person had respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, sneeze, sore throat, and watery eyes," said Dr. Nirav Shah, Deputy Director of the CDC, at a press conference.
The cause for the respiratory problems remains indeterminate. As a result, the CDC is carrying out additional probes. Experts believe the respiratory symptoms are more likely a manifestation of the infection's route. Consequently, it's plausible that the person inhaled infectious aerosols at the milking station.
"In the first Michigan incident, eye issues developed after contaminated milk was sprayed straight into the eye. Now, respiratory symptoms manifested after contact with an infected cow," Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive for Michigan, informed CNN. "Neither of the two individuals wore complete personal protective equipment (PPE). This shows that interaction with contaminated livestock is hazardous to humans and that PPE plays a critical role in impeding the spread of the virus. Until now, there is no evidence of transmission from one person to another, and the present health risk to the general public remains negligible."
The CDC aligns with this evaluation. Nevertheless, individuals who come in contact with these creatures should don protective clothes and be cautious when addressing ill or deceased animals, like birds and cows. Besides, anyone should report any flu-like symptoms to the local health department. Conforming to the CDC's guidelines, it's advisable to shun raw milk and just consume pasteurized milk.
Close to 220 people in Michigan are being monitored for the possibility of virus infection, says Shah. This covers the laborer's family members and co-workers with respiratory difficulties. The laborer possesses minor symptoms and is on Oseltamivir, an antiviral drug with the same active ingredient as Tamiflu, and is in home quarantine. Neither family members nor additional workers on the dairy farm have been infected as per the CDC.
"Given the intense interaction between people and dairy cows, it's unsurprising that there are more infections among humans," remarks Dr. Seema Lakdawala, an infectious disease expert at Emory University who explores the transmission of the virus on dairy farms in the US. Over 60 dairy herds in the country have reported detections of the H5N1 avian flu virus. Just lately, it was reported that the H5N1 virus was found in alpacas in Idaho.
Read also:
- The H5N1 avian flu virus has also been detected in animals beyond cows, such as alpacas, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance against infectious diseases in various animal populations.
- Education about the importance of protective clothing and precautions when handling infected animals, especially in industries like dairy farming, is crucial to mitigate the risk of human infection from viruses like H5N1.
- As the USA grapples with yet another case of H5N1 infection in a human, reinforcing public health measures and continually monitoring susceptible populations, including animal handlers and those living near outbreaks, is essential to prevent the further spread of such infectious diseases.
