Health officials in Colorado have announced that a fourth person in the United States has been infected with bird flu. The infected individual is a male farmworker who had direct contact with infected dairy cows.
Health officials in Colorado have announced that a fourth person in the United States has been infected with bird flu. The infected individual is a male farmworker who had direct contact with infected dairy cows on a northeastern Colorado farm.
The worker developed mild symptoms and reported to health officials that he had conjunctivitis, or pink eye. In accordance with guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the man was given antiviral treatment and has now recovered.
Fourth Case of Bird Flu Detected in the U.S.
Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), said that the risk of bird flu for the general public remains low. However, she emphasized that individuals who are regularly exposed to infected animals, such as farmworkers, may face an increased risk.
"The risk to most people remains low," said Dr. Herlihy. "Avian flu viruses are currently spreading among animals, but they are not adapted to spread from person to person."
Fourth Case of Bird Flu Detected in the U.S.
"However, it's important to note that people who have regular exposure to infected animals are at an increased risk of infection," she added. "These individuals should take precautions when they have contact with sick animals."
Three previous cases of human infection with bird flu linked to cows have been reported in dairy workers in Texas and Michigan since March. Two of those workers also developed pink eye, while one had mild respiratory symptoms.
Fourth Case of Bird Flu Detected in the U.S.
In 2022, the first U.S. case of bird flu was detected in a Colorado farmworker who had been exposed to infected poultry.
The CDC has advised people to avoid contact with sick birds or animals, and to practice good hygiene, including washing hands frequently with soap and water. If you do come in contact with a sick bird or animal, it is important to report it to your health department immediately.
