Four agricultural workers in Washington state may have been infected with avian influenza, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
in press release On Sunday, the Washington State Department of Health announced that “workers tested presumptive positive for avian influenza after handling infected poultry at a commercial egg farm in Franklin County.” Franklin County is located in the eastern half of the Evergreen State and is known for its agriculture.
The health department said those who may have been infected “are exhibiting mild symptoms and are receiving antiviral medication,” adding that those who may have been infected are “infected with H5, which is under investigation in Washington state.” This is the first presumed case of human infection of the virus.”
“Testing of additional individuals at the farm is currently pending and the number of cases under investigation is subject to change,” the health department said in a release.
The Department of Health also stated:[t]His case occurred on a farm that was the site of an outbreak of avian influenza in chickens. ”
In an emailed statement to The Hill on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, “We are awaiting specimens from Washington state for avian influenza testing and are awaiting the state's evaluation.” A team has been dispatched to assist.” We investigated the health status of workers involved in a depopulation event at a poultry farm there. ”
This year, “27 human cases of H5 have been reported” in the United States. According to the CDC. Avian influenza commonly spreads not only to birds but also to other animals. However, it can also be transmitted to humans through contact with the body fluids of infected animals.
“While the current public health risk is low, CDC is closely monitoring the situation and working with states to monitor people who have been exposed to the animals,” the agency said. stated on the website.
