What do we know?
In the last month we’ve seen developments in the spread of the Avian Influenza (H5N1) virus that is currently present in U.S. dairy cattle. Across nine states (Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Idaho, South Dakota, Michigan, Ohio, and North Carolina) there are now 63 dairy cattle herds confirmed to be infected with H5N1, and on May 22nd 2024, a second human case was confirmed by the CDC.
The first infected individual was a man in Texas, who was exposed to infected poultry while helping in depopulating effort to cull the infected livestock. The second infected individual is a dairy farmer in Michigan, who after being exposed to infected cattle, was closely monitored and eventually showed conjunctivitis (eye infection), just as the Texas case did. Once symptoms occurred, a specimen from the dairy farmer was sent to the CDC for testing, where it was confirmed to be positive for H5N1.
On May 24th, the CDC confirmed that they were able to take a sample from the Michigan individual for further testing and research. They have confirmed that there is very little difference between the sample taken from Michigan as compared to that of the case in Texas, stating that the virus currently lacks the traits that would make it “better adapted to infect or transmit between humans.” With their current findings, and as the situation continues to unfold, the CDC’s assessment has not changed, as they consider the risk to human health to be low.
What is being done?
Prior to this Michigan case, the CDC reported that testing had begun on ferrets using the virus received from the Texas individual. Ferrets display and spread influenza in a similar manner to humans, and so the CDC is inoculating them with the virus to assess its severity and transmissibility. The CDC has yet to release any findings from these tests.
In terms of human testing, the FDA has authorized the use of CDC H5 tests, to be used for testing specimens from eye infections, for the H5N1 virus. Public health labs will no longer have to rely on sending specimens directly to the CDC for testing, which will enable faster response times. This is one example of an active collaboration between the CDC, Federal Food and Drug Administration, and the US Department of Agriculture, to monitor the bird flu virus as it continues to spread amongst dairy cattle.
The CDC’s current knowledge on the virus has also confirmed that the current state of the virus closely relates to two existing candidate vaccines. This means that should the situation worsen, where we are seeing more human cases, manufacturers will be able to create a vaccine with relative ease.
What are the current recommendations for the Public?
The CDC has maintained their recommendations for the public to stay cautious and safe, as the following:
⦿ Avoid close, long, or unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals, including both wild and domesticated birds.
⦿ Avoid unprotected exposures to animal poop, bedding/litter, unpasteurized/raw milk, or any materials that have been touched by, or close to, birds or animals that are suspected/confirmed to be sick with the virus.
⦿ Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever in direct or close contact with sick or dead animals, their waste, and any materials that they have been in close or direct contact with.
⦿ If you are exposed to the virus (including when wearing PPE), be sure to monitor your health for any respiratory illness symptoms, including eye infections, for 10 days following the exposure.
Sources:
“What’s New,” Influenza (Flu). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/whats-new-sort.html
“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Animals: Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations,” Influenza (Flu). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/hpai/hpai-interim-recommendations.html
Recent Comments