Second person in the US tests positive Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) Virus. Reported by Texas and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This individual had contact with dairy cows in Texas and was presumed to be infected with the HPAI A(H5N1) virus. The patient reported red eyes (consistent with conjunctivitis) as the only symptom and was improving.
The patient has been instructed to isolate and is being treated with antiviral drugs for influenza. This infection does not change the human health risk assessment of H5N1 avian influenza to the U.S. general population, which CDC considers to be low. However, people who have close or long-term unprotected exposure to infected birds or other animals (including livestock) or environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals are at increased risk of infection.
CDC There is a provisional recommendation HPAI A(H5N1) For virus prevention, surveillance, and public health surveillance purposes, continue to work with state health departments to monitor personnel who may have had contact with infected or potentially infected birds or animals. We are testing people who develop symptoms.
CDC also recommends that clinicians monitor, test, and administer antiviral treatment to patients with suspected or confirmed avian influenza A virus infection.
This is the second person reported to have tested positive for the influenza A(H5N1) virus in the United States.past human cases Occurs in Colorado in 2022. Human infections with avian influenza A viruses, including the A(H5N1) virus, are rare but occur sporadically around the world.
Since outbreaks were first identified in wild birds and poultry in the United States in late 2021, the CDC has been monitoring illness in people exposed to birds infected with the H5 virus. Human illness caused by H5N1 avian influenza ranges from mild to severe (e.g., eye infections, upper respiratory symptoms). ) to serious illnesses (such as pneumonia) that have led to death in other countries.
H5 avian influenza is widespread among wild birds in the United States and around the world. These viruses are also causing outbreaks in the following regions: Commercial and backyard poultry flockssimilarly Sporadic infections in mammals. His HPAI in dairy cows was first reported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Texas and Kansas. March 25, 2024
Unpasteurized milk from sick cows collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one dairy farm in Texas, and throat swabs from cows at another dairy farm in Texas. tested positive for HPAI A(H5) viruses of genetic clade 2.3.4.4b. This is the same clade that is widely distributed in birds around the world. March 29, 2024
On March 29, 2024, USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed HPAI in a dairy herd in Michigan that recently received cattle from Texas. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regularly provides updates on detections on dairy farms, information on epidemiological findings, and biosecurity guidance for farmers and veterinarians. Preliminary analysis of A(H5N1) viruses has not found any changes that would make these viruses resistant to current FDA-approved influenza antiviral drugs, so they are considered effective. Vaccine candidate viruses (CVVs) developed against related clade 2.3.4.4b viruses can be used for vaccine production, if desired, and preliminary analyzes indicate that they have the potential to provide reasonable protection against H5N1 influenza viruses. It is shown that there is. Seasonal influenza vaccines do not protect against these viruses. Analysis of virus samples is in progress.
CDC is working closely with state and federal agencies, including the USDA, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local health authorities to further investigate and closely monitor this situation.
Prevention measures
According to interim recommendations from the CDCPeople are exposed to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry (including backyard flocks), other domesticated birds, other wild animals or livestock (including cattle), as well as unprotected exposure to animal carcasses, raw milk, and feces. should be avoided. feces), garbage, and items contaminated by birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection. People should not consume raw milk or raw undercooked foods collected from animals with confirmed or suspected HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection, or unpasteurized (raw) milk or products made from raw milk, such as cheese. Do not cook or eat related raw prepared foods such as products (Bird Flu or Avian Influenza). Specific recommendations for farmers, poultry, backyard flocks, livestock owners, and worker protections are also available.
Anyone exposed to birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection, including those wearing recommended personal protective equipment (PPE), should be protected for 10 days after their last exposure. , and should be monitored for signs and symptoms of illness.Additional Information Conservation activities around birdsinclude what will you do If you find a dead bird, Available on the CDC website.
according to According to the FDA and USDA, there are currently no concerns about the safety of the commercial milk supply as the product is pasteurized before being placed on the market. Dairy manufacturers must only send milk from healthy animals for processing for human consumption. Milk from affected animals is diverted or destroyed so that it is not used in the human food supply. Additionally, pasteurization has been continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses such as influenza in milk. Milk that enters interstate commerce must be pasteurized for human consumption. The FDA’s long-standing position is that unpasteurized raw milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms that pose serious health risks to consumers.of FDA warns consumers Description of risks associated with raw milk consumption in light of HPAI detection.
CDC continues to work with USDA, FDA, and state health departments to monitor people who have been exposed to animals infected with the HPAI A(H5N1) virus. Because influenza viruses constantly change, ongoing surveillance and preparedness efforts are important, and CDC is taking steps in case public health risk assessments change. This is a developing situation and CDC will share additional updates as new relevant information becomes available.
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