US Reports Second Human Case Of H5 Bird Flu Linked To Dairy Cow Outbreak

A Michigan farmworker has tested positive for bird flu, becoming the second human case linked to the current outbreak in U.S. dairy cows. The individual, who had contact with infected cows, experienced mild symptoms of an eye infection but has since recovered, as confirmed by state health officials. This development raises concerns about the spread of avian influenza and highlights the importance of monitoring and containment measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared a statement regarding the case, emphasizing the need for vigilance and swift response to prevent further transmission.

“The current health risk to the general public remains low,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said in a news release. “We have not seen signs of sustained human-to-human transmission at this point. This is exactly how public health is meant to work, in early detection and monitoring of new and emerging illnesses.”

The first case, which was also mild and presented as the eye infection conjunctivitis, happened in late March after a farmworker in Texas came into contact with cattle suspected of being infected.

The H5N1 bird flu virus, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been causing significant morbidity and mortality among animal species in the U.S. since 2020. The virus, primarily transmitted by migratory birds, has also impacted poultry flocks in various states. Fortunately, there have been no reported cases of human-to-human transmission of the virus as of now.

However, health authorities are vigilantly monitoring the situation for any signs of the virus mutating to become more easily transmissible.