CDC reports three new infections at a Colorado poultry farm, bringing the total US human cases of H5 bird flu in 2024 to 13.
RT’S Three Key Takeaways:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed three new human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in Colorado, raising the total number of US cases in 2024 to 13.
- The new cases were identified among poultry workers at a commercial egg layer operation in Weld County, Colorado.
- All three individuals infected with the H5 bird flu have shown mild illness and have been offered the antiviral drug oseltamivir.
Three additional human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5 bird flu) virus infection have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in association with a second poultry farm in northeast Colorado in Weld County.
Colorado previously announced one of them as a presumptive positive case on Saturday, July 20. The three confirmed cases occurred in people who were working directly with infected poultry at a commercial egg layer operation that had reported an outbreak of H5 bird flu among poultry.
All three people have mild illness and have been offered the antiviral drug, oseltamivir, for treatment. State and local officials continue to monitor poultry workers on farms with infected poultry.
New Infections on Different Farm
This is a different farm in Colorado from the one where on Friday, July 19, CDC confirmed two additional human cases of H5 bird flu, which brought the total human cases associated with that first poultry farm to six. With the addition of these three new confirmed human cases, the total number of human cases associated with the current poultry outbreaks in Colorado is nine.
A CDC multidisciplinary, bilingual field team is currently deployed to support Colorado’s response to ongoing poultry outbreaks of H5 bird flu in the state.
Total US Cases Rise to 13 in 2024
Confirmation of these three additional cases brings the total number of human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States since April 2024 to 13. Prior to 2024, the only previous human case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States was reported among a poultry worker in Colorado in April 2022. Counting that case, there have been 14 total human cases of H5 bird flu in the United States since 2022.
Based on available data, CDC’s current assessment is that the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low. “As we learn more, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates,” reads a release from the CDC. “These preliminary results again underscore the risk of exposure to infected animals.”
Monitoring and Recommendations
The CDC notes that there are no signs of unexpected increases in flu activity otherwise in Colorado, or in other states affected by H5 bird flu outbreaks in cows and poultry. Human infections with this novel influenza A virus (and others) are concerning because of the potential to cause severe, widespread disease. To date, the CDC has not seen genetic changes in the virus that would make it more likely to transmit between humans but is closely monitoring it.
CDC’s recommendations related to H5 virus have not changed at this time. Findings from the investigation will inform whether guidance changes are needed. The investigation will include looking into compliance with the recommended use of personal protective equipment.
Historically, most human cases of bird flu infection have happened in people who are not wearing recommended personal protective equipment. An analysis of the virus sequences from this outbreak also will be important to determine if a change in the risk assessment is warranted, according to the CDC.
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