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A rare case of bird flu in a human has been reported in Texas, with the patient suspected to have contracted the virus from cattle. The announcement about the rare case came after government agencies learned of the virus’s development in dairy cattle across many states, including Texas.
The Texas Department of State Health Services reported that the patient had only one symptom, which was eye inflammation.
The patient was tested last week, and the CDC verified the results over the weekend.
The patient is currently receiving the antiviral medicine oseltamivir, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is used to treat influenza A, B, and swine flu.
According to Texas officials, human cases of bird flu, also known as H5N1, typically present with a variety of symptoms ranging from moderate health issues such as respiratory symptoms, eye infections, and serious difficulties, including pneumonia. In the worst-case scenario, it can even be fatal.
According to the CDC, this is the second known case of a person contracting bird flu in the United States
According to the CDC, this is the second time a person has contracted avian flu in the United States. The flu typically infects wild birds, as the name implies; however, it can also infect domestic species.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated on Monday (April 2), “This infection does not change the H5N1 bird flu human health risk assessment for the US general public, which the CDC considers to be low.”
The CDC stated last week that the risk to human health from avian flu in the United States is minimal. However, they stated that those who work with cattle are more likely to become infected.
The agency also advised against consuming unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk or cheese, from animals that have bird flu or are suspected of being infected. “Commercial milk and meat are safe,” stated Bender. Texas Commissioner Miller added, “No milk from the infected cows entered the food supply.”