RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- An individual in Texas has examined optimistic for the H5N1 chicken flu after publicity to presumed contaminated dairy cattle, marking the second such case within the US, with the primary occurring in Colorado in 2022.
- The CDC considers the chance to the overall US public from H5N1 chicken flu to be low however recommends precautions for these with shut or extended publicity to contaminated animals or environments.
- Avian influenza in dairy cows was first reported in Texas and Kansas by the US Division of Agriculture on March 25.
An individual in america has examined optimistic for extremely pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus—or chicken flu—as reported by Texas and confirmed by the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC).
This individual had publicity to dairy cattle in Texas presumed to be contaminated with extremely pathogenic avian influenza A A(H5N1) viruses. The affected person reported eye redness, according to conjunctivitis, as their solely symptom and is recovering. The affected person was instructed to isolate and is being handled with an antiviral drug for flu.
Threat Evaluation and Suggestions
This an infection doesn’t change the H5N1 chicken flu human well being danger evaluation for the US basic public, which the CDC considers to be low. Nonetheless, individuals with shut or extended, unprotected exposures to contaminated birds or different animals (together with livestock), or to environments contaminated by contaminated birds or different animals, are at higher danger of an infection.
CDC has interim suggestions for prevention, monitoring, and public well being investigations of HPAI A(H5N1) viruses.
CDC is working with state well being departments to proceed to watch employees who could have been in touch with contaminated or probably contaminated birds/animals and check these individuals who develop signs. CDC additionally has suggestions for clinicians on monitoring, testing, and antiviral therapy for sufferers with suspected or confirmed avian influenza A virus infections.
Historic Context
That is the second individual reported to have examined optimistic for influenza A(H5N1) viruses in america. A earlier human case occurred in 2022 in Colorado. Human infections with avian influenza A viruses, together with A(H5N1) viruses, are unusual however have occurred sporadically worldwide.
CDC has been monitoring for sickness amongst individuals uncovered to H5 virus-infected birds since outbreaks have been first detected in US wild birds and poultry in late 2021. Human diseases with H5N1 chicken flu have ranged from gentle (eg, eye an infection, higher respiratory signs) to extreme sickness (eg, pneumonia) which have resulted in dying in different international locations.
Widespread Presence and Agricultural Impression
H5 chicken flu is widespread amongst wild birds within the US and globally. These viruses even have brought on outbreaks in industrial and yard poultry flocks and sporadic infections in mammals.
Avian influenza in dairy cows was first reported in Texas and Kansas by the US Division of Agriculture (USDA) on March 25. Unpasteurized milk from sick cattle collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas, in addition to a throat swab from a cow in one other dairy in Texas, examined optimistic for extremely pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) viruses of the genetic clade 2.3.4.4b, which is similar clade that’s widespread amongst birds globally.
On March 29, USDA’s Nationwide Veterinary Companies Laboratories confirmed the virus in a Michigan dairy herd that had lately acquired cows from Texas.
Response and Analysis
The USDA Animal and Plant Well being Inspection Service is offering common updates on detections in dairy herds, in addition to info on epidemiological findings and biosecurity steerage for farmers and veterinarians. Preliminary evaluation of A(H5N1) viruses has not discovered adjustments that might make these viruses immune to present FDA-approved flu antiviral medicines, so these are believed to be efficient in opposition to these viruses.
Candidate vaccine viruses developed in opposition to associated clade 2.3.4.4b viruses can be found for vaccine manufacturing if crucial and preliminary evaluation signifies that they could present affordable safety in opposition to H5N1 influenza viruses. Seasonal flu vaccines don’t present safety in opposition to these viruses. Evaluation of virus samples is ongoing.
CDC is working with state and federal companies, together with USDA, the FDA, and native well being authorities to additional examine and intently monitor this case.
Photograph 2193638 © Stacey Lynn Payne | Dreamstime.com
