Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Sept 6, 2024 21:40:37 GMT
Missouri reports human bird flu case with no link to animals - Published Sept 6, 2024
A patient in Missouri has tested positive for H5 bird flu, but unlike previous cases there is no known link to animals, according to state and federal officials. The source of the infection is still unknown.
The patient, who was only described as an adult with underlying medical conditions, was hospitalized on August 22. After testing positive for Influenza A, a specimen was sent to the state lab for additional testing, which revealed the H5 subtype.
“The specimen was forwarded to CDC for additional testing and was confirmed as H5 subtype of flu, also known as a bird flu, or avian flu. Additional virus characterization is underway at CDC,” the Missouri Department of Health said in a statement on Friday.
The patient has since recovered and was released from hospital.
Unlike previous human cases of bird flu in the U.S., there is no indication about the possible source of the infection as the patient reported no exposure to animals. This is the first time a case of bird flu has been found through the influenza surveillance system.
“The risk of sustained transmission or infection among the general public remains low,” the health department said. “DHSS continues to closely monitor available data from influenza surveillance systems and there has been no sign of unusual influenza activity in people.”
While the exact type of H5 bird flu has not yet been determined, it is likely H5N1, and possibly clade 2.3.4.4b, which has raised concern due to its global spread and the growing number of cases in mammals, including an outbreak among dairy cows in the U.S.
Twenty-six human cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported so far this year, including 13 in the U.S., 10 in Cambodia and one each in Australia, Vietnam and China. Only the U.S. cases – 10 in Colorado, 2 in Michigan and 1 in Texas – were caused by the newer variant, clade 2.3.4.4b. All were linked to animals.
A patient in Missouri has tested positive for H5 bird flu, but unlike previous cases there is no known link to animals, according to state and federal officials. The source of the infection is still unknown.
The patient, who was only described as an adult with underlying medical conditions, was hospitalized on August 22. After testing positive for Influenza A, a specimen was sent to the state lab for additional testing, which revealed the H5 subtype.
“The specimen was forwarded to CDC for additional testing and was confirmed as H5 subtype of flu, also known as a bird flu, or avian flu. Additional virus characterization is underway at CDC,” the Missouri Department of Health said in a statement on Friday.
The patient has since recovered and was released from hospital.
Unlike previous human cases of bird flu in the U.S., there is no indication about the possible source of the infection as the patient reported no exposure to animals. This is the first time a case of bird flu has been found through the influenza surveillance system.
“The risk of sustained transmission or infection among the general public remains low,” the health department said. “DHSS continues to closely monitor available data from influenza surveillance systems and there has been no sign of unusual influenza activity in people.”
While the exact type of H5 bird flu has not yet been determined, it is likely H5N1, and possibly clade 2.3.4.4b, which has raised concern due to its global spread and the growing number of cases in mammals, including an outbreak among dairy cows in the U.S.
Twenty-six human cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported so far this year, including 13 in the U.S., 10 in Cambodia and one each in Australia, Vietnam and China. Only the U.S. cases – 10 in Colorado, 2 in Michigan and 1 in Texas – were caused by the newer variant, clade 2.3.4.4b. All were linked to animals.