Topline
A person in Colorado has examined constructive for an H5 chook flu virus, state officials and the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention mentioned on Thursday, marking the primary recorded human an infection within the U.S. of the extremely contagious virus that’s ripping by means of business flocks and wild birds, however that specialists say poses little menace to people.
The primary human case of chook flu linked to a present outbreak has been detected within the U.S.
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Key Information
The Colorado Division of Public Well being and Setting (CDPHE) mentioned the person is incarcerated at a state correctional facility and was uncovered to contaminated poultry whereas working at a business farm in Montrose County.
The person examined constructive for an avian influenza A(H5) virus earlier this week and the CDC confirmed the consequence on Wednesday, the CDPHE mentioned, although repeat testing was destructive for influenza.
It’s attainable the individual could not have really been contaminated with the virus, the CDPHE famous, suggesting the virus could have been current in his nostril because of shut contact with contaminated poultry however didn’t trigger an an infection.
The person—described as youthful than 40, “largely asymptomatic” and reporting solely fatigue—is now isolating and taking the antiviral drug oseltamivir, often known as tamiflu, the CDPHE mentioned.
No different instances have been confirmed in people in Colorado or the U.S., the CDPHE mentioned.
Essential Quote
“We wish to reassure Coloradans that the danger to them is low,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, a state epidemiologist on the Colorado Division of Public Well being and Setting.
Shocking Truth
It is just the second human an infection brought on by this specific model of the H5N1 avian flu to be recorded world wide, the first being an aged British man who lived with a lot of geese inside his dwelling in December.
Key Background
The H5N1 influenza is a sort of flu virus that primarily infects birds, although it might infect people. It may be deadly and extremely contagious and is devastating to each wild and business chook populations. Outbreaks throughout Europe and the U.S. imply millions of birds have already been culled to cease the unfold and well being officers have warned individuals to keep away from contact with birds that seem sick or are useless. Many chook house owners, similar to zoos, have chosen to relocate them inside to cut back the danger of publicity from wild birds.
Massive Quantity
33 million. That’s the variety of home birds the most recent outbreak of chook flu within the U.S. has affected, according to the U.S. Division of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Well being Inspection Service. It has been confirmed in 29 states, the company mentioned.
Additional Studying
Costco’s Rotisserie Rooster Provide Threatened By Chicken Flu (Forbes)
Zoos across North America are moving birds indoors to protect them from avian flu (NPR)
