CDC Confirms Groundbreaking Case in Missouri
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has verified the first instance of avian influenza A (H5) bird flu in a person who had no known exposure to an infected animal. This announcement, made on Friday, marks a significant milestone in the understanding of bird flu transmission.
Details of the case
The patient, located in Missouri, was confirmed positive for the H5 strain after a sample was analyzed by the CDC. What makes this case particularly notable is the absence of any known contact with infected animals, which is traditionally the primary mode of bird flu transmission.
“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,” the CDC stated.
Health department’s response
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services emphasized that “the risk of sustained transmission or infection among the general public remains low.” The patient, who had underlying medical conditions that elevated their risk of respiratory illness, was hospitalized on August 22. They were treated with antiviral medications and have since recovered.
Investigations and Implications
Missouri’s health department has launched an investigation into the case. The results are “particularly important,” according to the CDC, due to the lack of obvious animal exposure.
“The question now is: How did this patient acquire the infection?” Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told NBC News. “We need a very, very thorough investigation.”
Broader context of H5 infections
“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,” the CDC added in its statement.
The case is the first time H5 has been detected as part of the general flu surveillance system, rather than through specific outbreak-related monitoring.
Public health outlook
The CDC reassured the public that, “Based on available data, CDC’s current assessment is that the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low. CDC’s recommendations related to H5 virus have not changed at this time.”
“H5 is primarily found in wild birds and poultry, and recently in dairy cows and other animals, and can occasionally infect humans through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments,” Missouri officials noted.
Bird flu’s potential jump from cows to birds raises concerns that it could adapt and spread quickly among humans, as reported by Reuters.
As the investigation continues, public health officials remain vigilant to ensure no further transmission occurs, keeping the public informed of any new developments.