Washington,
48094
Michigan,
United States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a second human case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) virus, commonly known as H5 bird flu, in Michigan. This case is linked to an ongoing multistate outbreak of A(H5N1) in dairy cows.
The infected individual is a dairy farm worker, similar to the first case identified in Texas. Despite testing negative for influenza from a nasal swab, an eye swab sent to the CDC tested positive for the A(H5) virus, indicating an eye infection. The CDC has been closely monitoring influenza surveillance systems, particularly in affected states, and has not observed any unusual influenza activity in people.
The discovery of this infection came about when the dairy worker, who was under observation due to their exposure to H5N1-infected cattle, reported symptoms to local health officials. Two specimens were collected from the patient. While the nasal specimen tested negative for influenza at the state health department laboratory, the eye specimen was sent to the CDC for further testing. The CDC confirmed the presence of the A(H5) virus in the eye specimen.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and has implemented various strategies to manage the outbreak. These include updating interim recommendations for worker protection, issuing a Health Alert Notice, and conducting numerous calls with groups representing farmworkers. The CDC also encourages states to increase submissions of positive influenza virus samples to public health labs for subtyping.
Despite these cases, the CDC maintains that the risk to the general public remains low. However, they emphasize the importance of taking recommended precautions for those exposed to infected or potentially infected animals. People with close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals, or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at greater risk of infection.
The CDC advises the public to avoid close, long, or unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals, including cows. They also recommend avoiding unprotected exposures to animal feces, bedding, unpasteurized milk, or materials that have been touched by, or are close to, birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed A(H5N1) virus.
If you or a loved one are harmed or experiencing any symptoms, it is important to report it. Reporting can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
Source:
www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0522-human-case-h5.html
