The threat of avian influenza, also known as avian influenza, has grown with the confirmation of a second case in the United States. Officials in Texas have reported that a person has contracted the flu after coming into close contact with infected cattle in the state. The news comes a week after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed avian influenza infections in mammals in three U.S. states: Washington, Kentucky and Montana.
First human case of bird flu confirmed in Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services announced on April 1 that a patient who had contact with a dairy cow believed to be infected with the virus has been diagnosed with avian influenza. The patient’s main symptom was “burning eyes,” also known as conjunctivitis. However, TDSHS said: “With this new case involving direct contact with suspected infected cattle, the risk to the general public remains low and remains low.”
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Second case of bird flu infection occurs in the United States
Texas officials say this is the first case of a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain reported in humans in the state since Colorado reported a person contracting H5N1 after direct contact with infected poultry. , said this is the second case in the United States.
Cases of avian influenza in mammals raise concern
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a joint statement on March 29. They said there are no safety concerns with dairy products in the United States. Officials explained that pasteurization before sale is sufficient to ensure the safety of these products. Previously, U.S. authorities warned the public about the risk of increasing cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) circulating among marine mammals.
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Can humans also get infected with bird flu?
So far, there have been two confirmed cases of avian influenza in humans, but the likelihood of a large-scale outbreak remains low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that the majority of human infections caused by avian influenza viruses worldwide are caused by Asian avian influenza viruses (H7N9) and highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1). Did. ) virus.
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans
Symptoms of bird flu in humans include low-grade fever, conjunctivitis, cough, sore throat, muscle and body aches, headache, and sometimes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
