2nd human case of chicken flu confirmed amid U.S. dairy cow outbreak

A Michigan farmworker has been identified with chicken flu, state well being officers introduced in an announcement Wednesday, marking the second human case related to the present outbreak in U.S. dairy cows. 

The most recent affected person, who had been involved with cows presumed to be contaminated, had gentle signs of an eye fixed an infection and has recovered, in accordance with an announcement shared by the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.

“The chance to the general public stays low,” Michigan well being officers stated.

A nasal swab from the individual examined destructive for the virus, however an eye fixed swab examined optimistic, “indicating an eye fixed an infection,” the CDC stated. An investigation is underway to grasp extra particulars on the employee’s scenario. 

The primary case, which was additionally gentle and offered as the attention an infection conjunctivitis, occurred in late March after a farmworker in Texas got here into contact with cattle suspected of being contaminated. 

Since 2020, the H5N1 chicken flu virus, additionally referred to as HPAI or extremely pathogenic avian influenza, has “brought about intensive morbidity and mortality occasions” in animal species throughout the U.S., in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Service. The virus, carried by migratory birds, has additionally affected poultry flocks in quite a few states.

Up to now, the virus doesn’t seem to have unfold from individual to individual, however public well being officers are intently monitoring for any indicators of the virus mutating to transmit extra simply.

“There is not any proof that has occurred but, however that is the massive concern,” CBS Information chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook defined earlier this month. 

“The concern can be if it modifications in mutations, genetic composition, in order that it could unfold simply from human to human.”

The detection of the virus in U.S. livestock earlier this 12 months — which has now been confirmed in 51 dairy herds in 9 states, in accordance with the U.S. Agriculture Division — has additionally raised questions on meals security, particularly round milk. 

Testing confirms pasteurization is working to kill the virus, and the Meals and Drug Administration says the industrial milk provide is secure. 

Well being officers strongly advise towards consuming uncooked milk, regardless of influencers selling it on social media.

“Don’t devour unpasteurized dairy merchandise,” Dr. Nidhi Kumar not too long ago advised CBS New York. “I do know there are folks which are actual advocates for it, however this isn’t the time to do it.”

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention calls uncooked milk “one of many riskiest meals.”

“Uncooked milk is milk that has not been pasteurized to kill dangerous micro organism,” the company’s web site explains. “Uncooked milk could be contaminated with dangerous germs that may make you very sick,” with signs together with diarrhea, abdomen cramping and vomiting,