Colorado H5N1: Poultry Worker Cases Reported – CDC
- Colorado health officials are investigating three presumptive positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5), commonly known as H5 bird flu, in poultry workers.
- The affected individuals,who experienced mild symptoms,were involved in depopulating poultry at a facility experiencing an outbreak of the H5N1 virus.
- While human infections with novel influenza viruses raise concerns about potential severe illness and pandemic risk,the CDC maintains that the current risk to the general public remains low.
Colorado Workers test Positive for Bird Flu After Poultry Outbreak
Updated July 12, 2024
Colorado health officials are investigating three presumptive positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5), commonly known as H5 bird flu, in poultry workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sending a team to support the state’s efforts.
The affected individuals,who experienced mild symptoms,were involved in depopulating poultry at a facility experiencing an outbreak of the H5N1 virus. This strain is currently circulating among wild birds and has caused outbreaks in dairy cows and poultry across multiple states. Confirmation testing is underway at the CDC.
While human infections with novel influenza viruses raise concerns about potential severe illness and pandemic risk,the CDC maintains that the current risk to the general public remains low. To date, ther is no evidence of genetic changes suggesting increased human-to-human transmission.
The CDC’s recommendations regarding H5 remain unchanged. The ongoing investigation will assess compliance with recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) and analyze virus sequences to determine if adjustments to the risk assessment are necessary. Historically, most human cases of avian influenza infection occur in individuals not using recommended PPE.
CDC’s current risk assessment for the general public remains low. as we learn more, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates.
What’s next
The CDC investigation will inform potential changes to guidance, focusing on PPE compliance and virus sequence analysis to refine the risk assessment for bird flu.