“Third U.S. Dairy Worker Infected with Avian Flu: What You Need to Know”
Officials announced on Thursday that a third U.S. dairy worker has been infected with avian flu, also known as H5N1. This case marks the second instance in Michigan. Federal officials stated that unlike the first two cases in the U.S., where symptoms were limited to pink eye, this individual presented with more typical flu-like respiratory symptoms. It is important to note that none of the three cases are connected to each other.
The risk to the general population is still considered low, according to federal officials. However, they emphasized the importance of recommended precautions for individuals with exposure to infected or potentially infected animals.
During a news conference on Thursday, officials revealed that 40 people have been tested for H5N1 so far, with over 350 individuals actively monitored, including 220 in Michigan. Additionally, approximately 17,000 PCR tests for cattle have been issued. Eric Deeble of the United States Department of Agriculture clarified that this number does not represent individual cows tested, as some tests are pooled samples, potentially representing multiple animals.
The latest dairy worker who tested positive for H5N1 had been in contact with infected cows and reported flu symptoms to local health authorities. Symptoms included a cough, eye discomfort with watery discharge, but no fever. The individual is currently receiving antiviral treatment, isolating at home, and showing signs of improvement. Household members are being monitored for symptoms, and all staff at the farm are under observation.
Officials stressed that there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of bird flu at this time. In March, it was reported that H5N1 had spread from birds to dairy cattle, with the virus detected in 67 herds across nine states. Notably, there are no known cases of dairy cattle infected in California.
Recent developments include the detection of the virus in a herd of llamas in Idaho and an outbreak at a chicken farm in Iowa, resulting in the culling of 4.2 million birds. Despite H5N1 being found in grocery store milk, federal officials assured the public in April that the nation’s milk supply is safe. However, they advised against consuming raw milk, which may contain high levels of active virus.
The situation is continuously evolving, and authorities are closely monitoring the spread of avian flu to prevent further cases and ensure public safety.