Three additional human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5), commonly known as H5 bird flu, have been confirmed in poultry workers in Northeast Colorado/Weld County, bringing the total number of human cases associated with recent poultry outbreaks in Colorado to nine[1]. This development marks a significant increase in human infections linked to the ongoing avian influenza outbreaks affecting poultry and dairy farms in the region.
Key points regarding the new cases:
- Location and Affected Workers: The three new cases occurred among workers at a commercial egg layer operation in Northeast Colorado that had reported an H5 bird flu outbreak among poultry[1].
- Symptoms and Treatment: All three individuals experienced mild illness and have been offered the antiviral drug oseltamivir for treatment[1].
- Total Case Count: With these new confirmations, the total number of human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States since April 2024 has risen to 13[1].
- CDC Response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has deployed a multidisciplinary, bilingual field team to support Colorado’s response to the ongoing poultry outbreaks[1].
- Risk Assessment: The CDC’s current assessment is that the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low. However, these cases underscore the risk of exposure to infected animals[1].
Context and Implications:
- This outbreak is part of a larger trend of H5N1 bird flu affecting wild birds globally and impacting poultry, various mammal species, and even causing an episode among U.S. dairy cows[3].
- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has emphasized that none of the infected persons required hospitalization, attributing the infections to contact with diseased poultry[3].
- State and federal health officials are closely monitoring the situation, with a focus on preventing further spread and assessing any potential changes in the virus that could increase its transmissibility between humans[1].
Preventive Measures and Recommendations:
The CDC has issued the following recommendations to mitigate risks[1][2]:
- Avoid unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, and other domesticated animals.
- Avoid contact with animal feces, bedding, unpasteurized milk, or materials that have been in close proximity to infected animals.
- Follow interim recommendations for preventing, monitoring, and conducting public health investigations of A(H5N1) virus infections in people.
- Adhere to updated worker protection and personal protective equipment (PPE) use recommendations, which are crucial for reducing individual risk and containing overall public health risk.
While the situation is concerning, health officials emphasize that there are currently no signs of unexpected increases in flu activity in Colorado or other affected states[1]. The investigation is ongoing, and findings will inform any necessary changes to current guidance and risk assessments.
Citations:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0725-three-human-cases-of-h5-bird-flu.html
[2] https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/07/cdc-sends-team-to-colorado-as-human-bird-flu-cases-double-over-the-weekend/
[3] https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/three-presumptive-bird-flu-cases-reported-poultry-workers-colorado-rcna161686
[4] https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/bird-flu-confirmed-colorado-farmworker-latest-case-avian-influenza/
[5] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/3-colorado-poultry-workers-test-presumptively-positive-bird-flu-h5n1/
[6] https://www.cpr.org/2024/07/25/more-colorado-poultry-workers-test-positive-for-bird-flu/
[7] https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/human-h5n1-us-cases-1.7272781
[8] https://www.statnews.com/2024/07/22/bird-flu-infects-colorado-poultry-workers-related-to-h5n1-in-cows/
[9] https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html
[10] https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/7/21/has-the-next-pandemic-already-started
[11] https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/07/24/nx-s1-5049893/u-s-bird-flu-outbreak-scientists-see-growing-risks
[12] https://www.9news.com/article/news/health/avian-flu-human-cases-colorado/73-38250f74-70b5-4084-b3bd-d7e0487692fb
[13] https://www.kktv.com/2024/07/03/human-case-bird-flu-confirmed-colorado/
[14] https://www.cpr.org/2024/07/24/more-colorado-poultry-workers-test-positive-for-bird-flu/
[15] https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/colorado-reports-2-more-avian-flu-infections-poultry-cullers
[16] https://www.wattagnet.com/poultry-meat/diseases-health/avian-influenza/news/15680396/another-weld-county-colorado-farm-hit-with-avian-flu
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