CDC Issues Warning on Bird Flu, Urges Continued Monitoring in All 50 States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is once again raising concerns about bird flu, urging health officials in all 50 states to remain vigilant in monitoring the prevalence of H5N1 infections, even during the warmer months.

This call to action follows the recent diagnosis of a Michigan dairy worker with bird flu, marking the second human case linked to the virus this year. The worker had been in contact with cows that were believed to be infected and experienced mild eye symptoms, but has since recovered.

Earlier in the year, a similar case was reported in Texas, where a worker at a commercial dairy farm tested positive for bird flu after developing conjunctivitis. The virus had been detected in cattle and wild birds in the area, raising concerns about potential transmission to humans.

While respiratory viruses typically spread more easily in colder months, the rise in bird flu infections among poultry and livestock has sparked fears of potential human-to-human transmission. The CDC is urging clinicians to consider the possibility of infection in individuals showing symptoms of acute respiratory illness or conjunctivitis.

The CDC has also recommended an increase in the submission of positive flu samples for subtyping, with over 600 samples per week potentially being collected nationally. The outbreak has been detected in 51 herds across nine states, prompting concerns about the virus evolving for better mammal-to-mammal transmission.

Symptoms of bird flu include cough, sore throat, fever, and fatigue, with potential complications ranging from pneumonia to sepsis. The CDC advises people to avoid contact with sick animals or contaminated surfaces, and to refrain from consuming uncooked or undercooked food products.

With the recent cases of bird flu in the U.S., health officials are on high alert for any signs of further spread or potential outbreaks. The CDC’s recommendations and ongoing monitoring efforts are crucial in preventing the virus from escalating into a larger public health crisis.