H5 Bird Flu: Colorado Workers Affected – CDC Update
- Health officials are closely monitoring an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5), commonly known as H5 bird flu, in northeast Colorado.
- The individuals, who worked directly with infected poultry at a commercial egg layer operation, have reported mild symptoms.
- A CDC team is on the ground in Colorado, assisting with the response to the ongoing outbreaks of H5 bird flu.
Three new human cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed in Colorado, linked to workers at a commercial egg-laying operation. The CDC reports a total of 13 U.S. cases as of April 2024, yet maintains the risk to the general public remains low. Health officials are closely monitoring this outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and a CDC team is on-site assisting with the response. The affected individuals,who worked directly with infected poultry,have reported mild symptoms and are receiving antiviral medication. While the agency investigates, they also urge people to avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals. Stay informed with News Directory 3. Discover what preventative measures the CDC recommends next.
More Colorado Bird Flu Cases Emerge
Updated July 25, 2024
Health officials are closely monitoring an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5), commonly known as H5 bird flu, in northeast Colorado. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed three new human cases of the virus, all linked to a single poultry farm in Weld County.
The individuals, who worked directly with infected poultry at a commercial egg layer operation, have reported mild symptoms. Thay are receiving oseltamivir, an antiviral medication. this outbreak is seperate from a previous one at another Colorado farm, where six human cases where identified, bringing the total number of human cases associated with current poultry outbreaks in Colorado to nine.
A CDC team is on the ground in Colorado, assisting with the response to the ongoing outbreaks of H5 bird flu. These new confirmations bring the total number of H5 bird flu cases in the United States since April 2024 to 13. Before this year, the only other case was reported in Colorado in April 2022.
The CDC maintains that the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low. Officials are closely monitoring the virus for any genetic changes that could make it more transmissible between humans.So far, no such changes have been detected.
The CDC’s recommendations regarding H5 virus remain unchanged. The agency is investigating the outbreaks, including compliance with recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines. Historically, most human cases of bird flu have occurred in people who were not wearing recommended PPE.
Based on available data, CDC’s current assessment is that the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low.
What’s next
The CDC continues to urge people to avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, and other domesticated animals. Precautions should also be taken to avoid exposure to animal feces, bedding, unpasteurized milk, and other materials that may have been contaminated with the virus. Updated recommendations for worker protection and PPE are available on the CDC website.