By Amber Roman
May 23, 2024, 17:46 PM EDT
A second case of human infection with bird flu has been confirmed in the United States, adding to concerns about the spread of the virus among dairy cattle. The affected worker, located in Michigan, is the second to be diagnosed since the virus was first detected in cattle in late March.
Health authorities stress that the risk to the general population remains low, although the outbreak raises new questions about the evolution and scope of the virus.
The Michigan dairy worker had only mild eye symptoms and has fully recovered, the state Department of Health and Human Services said. This individual was in regular contact with infected cattle, suggesting that transmission occurred from cow to human.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ruled out human-to-human transmission, as no evidence of such spread has been found in the nearly 40 individuals who have been tested since March.
The outbreak of bird flu, known scientifically as H5N1, has been circulating among poultry for years, but its recent detection in dairy cattle marks a new development. In April, a similar case was confirmed in Texas, indicating that the virus is present in multiple states.
In addition to Michigan and Texas, seven other states have reported infections in their dairy herds. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found H5N1 virus particles in approximately 20% of retail milk samples, suggesting a greater extent of the outbreak than initially thought.
Scott Hensley, an influenza vaccine expert at the University of Pennsylvania, expressed concern about the widespread spread of the virus among livestock.
“It is concerning that the virus is spreading widely among cows because this can lead to changes in the virus that could potentially increase human susceptibility,” he said. The possibility of mutations that facilitate transmission between humans is a latent threat that scientists are closely monitoring.
The detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle has raised concerns in the dairy industry, which now faces additional challenges in ensuring the safety of its products. The presence of the virus in raw milk has led some consumers to question the safety of these products, even though pasteurization is effective in eliminating the virus.
Avian flu has been a global concern for years, with outbreaks affecting people in close contact with infected wild or poultry birds. The virus has caused serious and even fatal infections in several countries. The situation in the United States is a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and preparation for possible pandemics.
CDC recommends people who work in close contact with dairy cattle follow strict hygiene practices and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Consumers are also advised to follow good food handling practices, such as consuming pasteurized milk and thoroughly cooking animal products.
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