Bird flu case detected in US, second human infection from the avian virus

TEXAS: A person has been diagnosed with a heavily pathogenic bird flu, marking the second human case of the virus reported in the United States (US) amidst recent outbreaks in dairy cow populations.

According to reports, the infected person exhibited eye congestion after contracting the virus from infected cows. The patient is undergoing antiviral medication and is hospitalised in isolation.

The case was first reported by the US’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sunday. The CDC stated that while the risk to the general public is low, animal owners should adhere to safety guidelines for sick animals.

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Although bird flu is typically associated with avian species, recent infections in dairy cows in multiple US states suggests cross-species transmission. While human-to-human transmission is rare, sporadic cases have been reported worldwide, ranging from mild respiratory and ocular symptoms to severe pneumonia, according to the CDC.

The first reported human case of H5N1 bird flu in the US occurred in Colorado in 2022, where the individual contracted the virus directly from infected poultry. While bird flu has a high mortality rate in birds, it is generally less fatal in humans.

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The CDC advises people to avoid contact with sick or dead animals, including wild birds, farm animals, and cattle. Additionally, boiling milk and refraining from consuming unpasteurized raw milk products is recommended.