CDC confirms human case of bird flu in Missouri

[September 07, 2024]  (Reuters) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday confirmed a human case of avian influenza A reported by the state of Missouri.

The case was identified through that state's seasonal flu surveillance system, the agency said.

The case was confirmed on Thursday, the CDC said, adding that an investigation into the potential exposure is ongoing by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The patient, who was hospitalized, had underlying medical conditions and was treated with influenza antiviral medications. The patient was subsequently discharged and has recovered.

There is no immediate known animal exposure and no ongoing transmission among close contacts or otherwise has been identified.

This is the 14th human case of H5 reported in the United States during 2024 and the first case of H5 without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals.

While other novel flu cases have been detected through the country's national flu surveillance system, this is the first time that system has detected a case of H5, the CDC said.

H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.

Test tubes is seen labelled "Bird Flu" words in front of U.S. flag in this illustration taken, June 10, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

While, outbreaks of H5 have been reported in commercial and backyard poultry flocks in 2024, outbreaks in cattle have not been reported in Missouri.

Missouri's last reported case of bird flu in a commercial poultry flock was in February, according to USDA.

H5N1 bird flu has been detected in wild birds in the state in the past.

Fourteen U.S. states have reported an outbreak of the H5N1 virus in dairy cattle.

The virus's jump to cows from birds has heightened concerns it could adapt to spread among humans.

The CDC said the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low, based on available data.

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)

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