The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that a second dairy worker has been diagnosed with avian flu.
A dairy worker in Michigan contracted the H5N1 virus, also known as avian influenza, after being near cows and other livestock infected with the virus, according to a report. statement From the CDC.
This comes after another dairy worker on a Texas farm experienced bleeding eyes after coming into contact with cows infected with avian flu. according to To New York Post.
Dairy cows stand together on a farm in Clinton, Maine, Monday, April 1, 2024. Federal health and agriculture officials pledged new spending and other efforts Friday, May 10, 2024, to track and contain an outbreak of avian influenza in the nation’s dairy cows, spreading to more than 40 herds in nine states. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
“A dairy worker who was under surveillance due to work-related exposure to H5N1-infected cows reported symptoms to local health authorities,” the CDC statement explained. “Two specimens were collected from the patient.”
After the dairy worker was tested, health officials ruled out the influenza virus after a nasal test came back negative.
“The eye specimen was sent to CDC for testing because CDC is one of the few laboratories available for CDC’s A(H5) testing,” the CDC statement continues. “The specimen was delivered to CDC, and the test results confirmed A(H5) virus infection.”
A nasal test was performed again and it was found to be negative for influenza virus.
While health officials initially insisted the bird flu outbreak was not harmful to humans, they are now warning that it may be more dangerous to human health than health officials previously thought.
In a statement, the CDC urges people to “avoid close, prolonged, or unprotected contact with sick or dead animals,” including cattle, “wild birds, poultry,” and “other domestic birds.” We recommend that you do so.
“People should also avoid unprotected exposure to animal feces, bedding (cat litter), unpasteurized (“raw”) milk, or materials that have been touched or in close proximity to birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed A(H5N1) virus,” the CDC added.
