In a uncommon case, the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on April 1 that an individual within the U.S. has examined optimistic for avian influenza, also referred to as chook flu. Regardless of the optimistic check, nonetheless, the CDC says danger to most people stays low.
Well being officers have been monitoring an outbreak of extremely pathogenic avian influenza since a brand new variant emerged and started killing birds on a number of continents in 2020. Sixty-seven nations reported outbreaks in 2022, in line with the World Well being Group (WHO), adopted by one other 14 in 2023. Human circumstances, nonetheless, stay uncommon. Solely 11 infections ensuing from the at the moment circulating pressure have been reported globally since 2021.
Since January 2022, chook flu viruses have been detected amongst greater than 82 million birds within the U.S., in line with the CDC. Extra just lately, mammals within the U.S.—together with dairy cows and goats—have examined optimistic.
In keeping with the CDC’s April 1 announcement, the one that examined optimistic had contact with cows in Texas presumed to have chook flu. Their solely reported symptom was conjunctivitis-like eye redness. They have been informed to isolate and are recovering after being handled with flu antivirals, which appear to work in opposition to the virus, the CDC says. (Seasonal flu vaccines don’t shield in opposition to avian flu, nonetheless.)
Learn Extra: Is COVID-19 Nonetheless a Pandemic?
The U.S.’ final human case of avian flu was reported in 2022, after somebody was uncovered to contaminated poultry in Colorado. They went on to recuperate.
The CDC maintains that danger to most people is low, though people who find themselves in extended shut contact with birds and livestock could also be at elevated danger of an infection. The company advises avoiding direct contact with sick or useless animals, in addition to any supplies which will have been contaminated by an animal contaminated with avian flu. Individuals who might have been in touch with contaminated animals ought to be monitored for signs together with eye redness, fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, muscle aches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The illness’s severity can vary from delicate to deadly.
Meals security is just not a significant concern at this level, in line with the U.S. Division of Agriculture (USDA). Poultry merchandise are inspected for indicators of illness earlier than being made accessible for buy, and dairy farms have been directed to destroy milk from contaminated cows. The pasteurization course of additionally removes viruses from milk, and correctly cooking eggs and poultry kills micro organism and viruses.
