With the avian influenza (H5 bird flu) outbreak persisting amongst US dairy cattle and poultry farms, the CDC reported last week the first known human case of the virus existing in an individual who had no contact with infected animals. The patient, who had underlying health conditions, was hospitalized in Missouri, treated with antiviral medications, and eventually discharged, making a full recovery.
Despite the CDC’s messaging that a bird flu outbreak among humans is unlikely, as well as the patient’s ability to recover, it is a major concern for the CDC that the virus is morphing to infect humans.
Key Takeaways
- Last week, the CDC reported the 14th known case of H5 bird flu virus in a human patient this year.
- While all previous cases in 2024 were reported in patients who worked and came into contact with dairy cattle or poultry, the most recent case is the first in a human with zero occupational exposures to infected animals.
- Despite the CDC's sentiments that a human outbreak is a unlikely, the organization and other government entities are continuing to monitor the virus across the country.
“This is the 14th human case of H5 reported in the US during 2024 and the first case of H5 without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals. H5 outbreaks in cattle have not been reported in Missouri, but outbreaks of H5 have been reported in commercial and backyard poultry flocks in 2024. H5N1 bird flu has been detected in wild birds in that state in the past,” wrote the CDC in a news release.1
With no bird flu outbreak among Missouri dairy cattle and the patient not coming into contact with infected animals, it is uncertain how exactly the patient contracted the virus. As the CDC and other government agencies continue to monitor samples of the virus and its overall spread, they still claim that risks of it infecting mass amounts of humans “remains low.”
According to the CDC, there has been a total of 14 patients who have reported a positive case of the bird flu since 2022. Further portraying its containment efforts, the CDC has also monitored over 4800 individuals exposed to infected animals and tested over 240 individuals who have reported exposure.2
“Bird flu has been on the rise among cows in the US this year. An outbreak was first reported in March and cattle in 14 states had been affected as of September 3,” wrote Kayla Epstein for BBC.3
READ MORE: Bird Flu Infects Second Human as Outbreak Continues
The CDC and US government have been working together since March—when just the second ever bird flu case was reported in a human in the US—to curb the spread of bird flu among dairy cattle and poultry farms across the Midwest. However, despite concerted efforts from a slew of organizations, the outbreak has continued and is now affecting humans; an occurrence that the CDC is continuing to mark as “unlikely.”
According to the CDC’s current data, 100,713,651 poultry have been infected with the bird flu and the virus remains prominent in 196 dairy herds across 14 states.2 While monitoring humans, dairy cattle, and poultry across the country remains of equal importance to the CDC, the bird flu issue has negatively persisted under the watch of the US government.
One specific way the CDC is monitoring individuals, and the reason they were able to detect the virus in a patient with zero occupational exposures, is through various influenza surveillance systems.
“CDC continues to closely monitor available data from influenza surveillance systems, particularly in affected states, and there has been no sign of unusual influenza activity in people, including in Missouri,” continued the CDC.1
While this recent news and ongoing monitoring continues, it is important for the general public to understand that a bird flu infection is highly unlikely but certainly not impossible. With only 14 known human cases and a bulk of the virus persisting predominantly in dairy cattle and poultry farms in the Midwest, a national bird flu emergency is far from necessary as human outbreaks remain unlikely.
However, the virus still remains an issue and as the CDC and other government agencies attempt to stop the spread and keep it away from humans, the potential eradication of the bird flu remains an uphill battle. And with this being the first non-occupational exposure to the virus, further investigations are still necessary for experts to gain a better understanding of the H5 bird flu.
“The results of this investigation will be particularly important in light of the current lack of an obvious animal exposure. It is important to note that, while rare, there have been novel influenza A cases where an animal source cannot be identified. The main concern in these situations is that no onward transmission is occurring. Findings from the ongoing investigation will inform whether guidance changes are needed,” concluded the CDC.1
To stay caught up on Drug Topics’ news regarding the 2024 bird flu outbreak, be sure to check out our most recent bird flu update.
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References
3. Epstein K. US confirms first case of bird flu with no known animal exposure. BBC News. September 7, 2024. Accessed September 9, 2024. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0rzqwxp7jo
