Four people have contracted bird flu in Washington state, raising concerns that the disease could spread to other agricultural workers in the United States.
The disease, also known as avian influenza A (H5N1), is estimated to have recently tested positive in four Washington state agricultural workers, according to the Washington State Department of Health (WADOH). A press release said the workers were employed at an egg farm in Franklin County.
“They are experiencing mild symptoms and are being given antiviral medication,” the statement said. “Testing for additional cases on the farm is currently pending and the number of cases under investigation is subject to change.”
Washington state officials noted that these diagnoses are the “first presumed human cases of H5 virus under investigation in Washington state.” In response, more than 250,000 birds were killed.
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Color transmission electron micrograph of avian influenza A H5N1 virus (gold) grown in MDCK cells (green). (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
“Approximately 800,000 birds were euthanized after testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture on October 15 revealed they were infected with avian influenza,” the statement said.
Washington state is the sixth state in the US to have confirmed cases of H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that has been detected in poultry, dairy cattle and wild animals.
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John Arizti Sanz, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow, works in the lab testing samples for avian influenza in May 2024.
“Washington State has been closely monitoring the spread of the H5N1 virus since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is committed to minimizing the impact on our communities. We have the knowledge, relationships, and tools to limit the spread of COVID-19,” said the Washington State Health Secretary. Umair Shah said in a WADOH press release.
The disease occurs naturally in wild waterfowl and can spread to other birds and mammals, according to WADOH.
“In rare cases, avian influenza viruses can infect humans and cause illness,” the statement said. “Most cases of human infection with avian influenza occur after prolonged close contact with avian influenza-infected animals or avian influenza-contaminated environments.”
Dr. John Arizti Sanz, a postdoctoral fellow in the Sabeti Institute at the Broad Institute, purchased milk at a local grocery store to test for the presence of avian influenza in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on May 14, 2024. (David L. Ryan/Boston Globe via Getty Images)
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“CDC currently believes the risk to the general public from this H5N1 avian influenza is low, but people who have work-related or recreational exposure to infected birds, cattle, or other potentially affected livestock or wildlife are at high risk and you should take precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment. ”
