The US CDC stated in July 2024 that another human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) virus infection has been identified in the US, in Colorado. It is the fourth case associated with an “ongoing multistate outbreak” in dairy cows, but the first in Colorado. Although CDC maintains that the risk assessment for the general public is “low”, it highlights the importance of observing recommended precautions.
The latest case
The patient is a dairy worker who was being monitored because of work exposure to H5N1 virus-infected cattle and reported eye symptoms to state health officials. After state testing was inconclusive, specimens were sent to CDC and were positive for influenza A(H5). Genetic sequencing is underway with further analysis to identify any possible changes that could inform the agency’s risk assessment. The case received oseltamivir treatment and has recovered.
CDC response
The CDC states that the case was detected through the state’s implementation of CDC-recommended monitoring and testing strategies in exposed persons. CDC has:
- Held calls with state and local health departments to increase preparedness
- Taken action to improve supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) for farmworkers
- Updated interim recommendations for worker protection to include those who work with dairy cows
- Conducted calls with groups representing farmworkers
- Begun targeted paid digital outreach in affected countries to reach farmworkers with information about bird flu prevention and steps to take if they develop symptoms
CDC recommendations
The following are the current recommendations from the CDC:
- People should avoid close, long, or unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals (including cows).
- People should avoid unprotected exposures to animal poo, bedding, unpasteurised (raw) milk, or materials that have been touched by, or close to, birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed A(H5N1) virus.
- CDC encourages people to follow its interim recommendations for the prevention, monitoring, and public health investigations of A(H5N1) virus infections in people.
Avian influenza remains a topic of concern at the Congress in Barcelona this October, so do join us by getting your tickets here. Don’t forget to subscribe for more infectious disease updates here.
