Colorado dairy worker tests positive for bird flu, becoming fourth case tied to dairy cattle in the US - announced July 3, 2024

[Treyfish]

Colorado dairy worker tests positive for bird flu, becoming fourth case tied to dairy cattle in the US

A Colorado inmate working on a Western Slope poultry farm in 2022 was the first case tied to H5N1 in the U.S.
Posted: 12:13 PM, Jul 03, 2024

Updated: 1 minutes ago
By: Óscar Contreras

The CDC says there's no evidence humans can easily infect each other with bird flu, and the risk to the general public remains low right now. (Scripps News)

DENVER — A Colorado dairy worker has been diagnosed with bird flu, state health officials said Wednesday, becoming the fourth case tied to an unprecedented outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza among dairy cattle in the U.S.

Though this is the second confirmed infection of H5N1 in Colorado since 2022, Colorado health officials believe this is the first instance in which avian influenza was likely transmitted from a mammal to a human….


https://www.denver7.com/news/state-n...ttle-in-the-us

[Treyfish]

Human case of bird flu confirmed in Colorado

The state did not elaborate on an exact location where the man was, other than a dairy farm in northeast Colorado. By Tony Keith
Published: Jul. 3, 2024 at 1:58 PM EDT|Updated: 34 minutes ago

DENVER (KKTV) - A man tested positive for bird flu in Colorado recently.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a news release on Wednesday assuring people that experts say the risk to the public is low.

The man had symptoms including pink eye, and had direct contact with infected cattle, according to the state. The state did not elaborate on an exact location where the man was, other than a dairy farm in northeast Colorado.

The full news release from the department can be read below:

he Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Colorado Department of Agriculture, has identified a human case of avian influenza H5 infection associated with a multi-state outbreak of the virus in dairy cattle.

The adult male had mild symptoms, reporting only conjunctivitis (pink eye). He reported his symptoms to state health officials, who tested him for influenza at the State Public Health Laboratory. Specimens forwarded to CDC for additional testing were positive for avian flu. CDPHE gave the individual antiviral treatment with oseltamivir in accordance with CDC guidance. He has recovered. This case is an employee at a dairy farm in northeast Colorado who had direct exposure to dairy cattle infected with avian flu. To protect patient privacy, additional details are not being provided.

“Our partnership with the Colorado Department of Agriculture has been crucial in disseminating information to dairy farmers across the state,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE. “Coloradans should feel confident that the state is doing everything possible to mitigate the virus.”...

https://www.kktv.com/2024/07/03/human-case-bird-flu-confirmed-colorado/

[Treyfish]

Colorado health officials identify another human case of bird flu in the state

The man who was infected, a dairy worker, had a mild eye infection and has since recovered
John Ingold
12:08 PM MDT on Jul 3, 2024

Colorado health officials on Wednesday announced that a dairy worker in northeastern Colorado contracted bird flu after having close contact with sick cattle.

The worker, an adult man, had a mild eye infection. He has since recovered.

The human case is the first to be identified in Colorado related to the ongoing outbreak of avian influenza among dairy cattle. The outbreak among Colorado’s dairy herds is now the worst in the nation, with 27 cases having been identified in dairy herds, all in northeastern Colorado.

Nationwide, four dairy workers have now tested positive for bird flu after working closely with infected cattle. Eye infections were most common among those workers, possibly due to contact with infected milk during milking operations.
There have been no serious illnesses from the human cases related to dairy cattle, and there has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission of the virus.....

https://coloradosun.com/2024/07/03/colorado-bird-flu-human-case-dairy/

[Treyfish]

Farmer in Colorado catches H5N1 bird flu - becoming fourth person to be infected with deadly virus


By LUKE ANDREWS SENIOR HEALTH REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

PUBLISHED: 14:24 EDT, 3 July 2024 | UPDATED: 14:41 EDT, 3 July 2024



A dairy farm worker in Colorado has been infected with H5N1 bird flu, becoming the fourth human case in the outbreak so far.

The patient, who was not named, only had symptoms in their eye — such as reddening or swelling — and has since recovered from the infection.

They were treated with oseltamivir, an anti-viral used to treat flu infections. It was also used in previous cases.....

The farmer worked with dairy cattle confirmed to be infected with H5N1, with the individual likely catching the disease on the farm.

CDC scientists confirmed the diagnosis after receiving samples from Colorado's state laboratories, where tests for common viruses were 'inconclusive'.

They have already confirmed the patient is infected with an H5 virus, with confirmation that the case is H5N1 — or bird flu — expected in the coming days.

Further tests have also been ordered on the samples to check for any worrying genetic changes....

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-cdc/index.html

[Treyfish]

no update here yet

https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situati...y%2Findex.html

[Treyfish]

CDC confirms 4th human case of H5N1 avian flu as more dairy herds in Colorado hit


Stephanie Soucheray, MA


Today at 12:43 p.m.
Note: This story was updated at 1:40 pm Central Time with information on the human case.

Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the fourth human case of highly pathogenic avian flu in the United States this year and the first in Colorado, as the state reported more infected dairy cows. Previous human cases were in Texas (one) and Michigan (two).

In a press release emailed to journalists, the CDC said the Colorado patient is a dairy worker who was being monitored because of work exposure to H5N1 virus-infected cattle.

"The person reported eye symptoms only, received oseltamivir [Tamiflu] treatment, and has recovered," the CDC said. "Based on the information available at this time, this infection does not change CDC's current H5N1 bird flu human health risk assessment for the U.S. general public, which the agency considers to be low."

This infection does not change CDC's current H5N1 bird flu human health risk assessment.

The first two agricultural workers infected in the United States, in Texas and Michigan this spring, also reported eye symptoms. Two more herds in Colorado affected


The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has added two more H5N1 avian flu dairy herd outbreaks to its confirmed list, both in Colorado, raising its total to 139 affected herds from 12 states.

Colorado has had the most affected herds in the past 30 days, with 23 herds affected, APHIS said.

APHIS also reported H5N1 in 2 more domestic cats since our last report, 1 each in Michigan and Colorado, raising the total to 30 infected cats.

A WOAH (World Organization for Animal Health) notification on the Colorado cat, which is from Adams County, says the cat was exhibiting acute respiratory signs but wasn't associated with any known H5N1-affected cattle or poultry premises.

As more dairy herds have been infected with highly pathogenic avian flu, researchers from the Food and Drug Administration have continued to sample commercial pasteurized milk and conduct experiments that reassure consumers that the pasteurization process used in the United States inactivates H5N1. It is not yet known if drinking raw milk from an infected cow could pass H5N1 to humans, but mouse studies suggest it is possible.....

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/cdc-confirms-4th-human-case-h5n1-avian-flu-more-dairy-herds-colorado-hit

[Treyfish]

Colorado state health officials identify a human case of avian flu

Person had direct contact with infected cattle; public health experts say the risk to the public is low.

Denver (July 3, 2024) — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Colorado Department of Agriculture, has identified a human case of avian influenza H5 infection associated with a multi-state outbreak of the virus in dairy cattle.

The adult male had mild symptoms, reporting only conjunctivitis (pink eye). He reported his symptoms to state health officials, who tested him for influenza at the State Public Health Laboratory. Specimens forwarded to CDC for additional testing were positive for avian flu. CDPHE gave the individual antiviral treatment with oseltamivir in accordance with CDC guidance. He has recovered. This case is an employee at a dairy farm in northeast Colorado who had direct exposure to dairy cattle infected with avian flu. To protect patient privacy, additional details are not being provided.

“Our partnership with the Colorado Department of Agriculture has been crucial in disseminating information to dairy farmers across the state,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE. “Coloradans should feel confident that the state is doing everything possible to mitigate the virus.”

It is safe to drink pasteurized milk (fda.gov) and eat properly handled and cooked dairy, beef, and poultry products in the United States. The proper handling and cooking of poultry, meat, and eggs kills bacteria and viruses, including avian flu viruses. An updated study released earlier this week by FDA and USDA reinforced the safety of the commercial milk supply.

“The risk to most people remains low. Avian flu viruses are currently spreading among animals, but they are not adapted to spread from person to person. Right now, the most important thing to know is that people who have regular exposure to infected animals are at increased risk of infection and should take precautions when they have contact with sick animals,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE.

Coloradans should not touch sick or dead animals. If you must handle sick or dead animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment (cdc.gov), including an N95 respirator, eye protection, and gloves. If possible, wash your hands with soap and water afterward. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Nationally, there have been three other cases of avian flu in humans associated with the ongoing multi-state outbreak in dairy cattle that was first identified in the U.S. in March 2024. The last human detection of H5N1 in Colorado was in 2022 in someone who was exposed to infected poultry.

“We continue to work closely with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, local public health agencies, and CDC as we monitor this virus to protect all Coloradans,” said Scott Bookman, senior director of public health readiness and response, CDPHE. “While it’s rare for people to become infected with avian flu viruses, direct exposure to infected animals increases that risk.”

If you work with dairy cows that may have avian flu and you start to feel sick, call CDPHE at 303-692-2700 (after normal business hours: 303-370-9395). The Department can help you get a flu test and medicine if needed. More information about avian flu in humans is available at cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/hpai-h5n1.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has been working on a state response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak since 2022. CDA has been coordinating with state and federal partners, including CDPHE and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to confirm and respond to cases. Avian flu is a reportable disease in Colorado and must be reported to the State Veterinarian’s Office. CDA has also adopted an Emergency Rule that requires mandatory testing of lactating dairy cattle moving interstate. More information about CDA’s response to the outbreak can be found at ag.colorado.gov/HPAIresponse.



###

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/colorado-state-health-officials-identify-a-human-case-of-avian-flu

[sharon sanders]

From:
"Media (CDC)" <sohco@CDC.GOV>
To: <MMWR-MEDIA@LISTSERV.CDC.GOV>
Subject: CDC Reports Fourth Human Case of H5 Bird Flu Tied to Dairy Cow Outbreak
Date: Jul 3, 2024 2:17 PM


Press Release

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Contact: CDC Media Relations
(404) 639-3286          


CDC Reports Fourth Human Case of H5 Bird Flu Tied to Dairy Cow Outbreak

CDC’s Risk Assessment for the General Public Remains Low



July 3, 2024 – A human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) (“H5 bird flu”) virus infection in the United States has been identified in the state of Colorado. This is the fourth case associated with an ongoing multistate outbreak of A(H5N1) in dairy cows and the first in Colorado. Previous cases were reported in Texas (1) and Michigan(2). As with previous cases, the person is a worker on a dairy farm where cows tested positive for A(H5N1) virus. The person reported eye symptoms only, received oseltamivir treatment, and has recovered. CDC has been watching influenza surveillance systems closely, particularly in affected states, and there has been no sign of unusual influenza activity in people, including in syndromic surveillance.




Based on the information available at this time, this infection does not change CDC’s current H5N1 bird flu human health risk assessment for the U.S. general public, which the agency considers to be low. However, this development underscores the importance of recommended precautions in people with exposure to infected animals. People with close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals (including livestock), or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at greater risk of infection.




Case Background

A dairy worker who was being monitored because of their work exposure to H5N1 virus-infected cattle reported symptoms to state health officials. Testing results were inconclusive at the state. Specimens forwarded to CDC for additional testing were positive for influenza A(H5). The state was then notified of the results. The designation of the influenza virus neuraminidase (the N in the subtype) is pending genetic sequencing at CDC. Attempts to sequence the virus in the clinical specimen are underway and will be made available within 1-2 days if successful. Additional genetic analysis will look for any changes to the virus that could alter the agency’s risk assessment.




CDC Activities

This case was detected through the state’s implementation of CDC’s recommended monitoring and testing strategies in exposed persons. In addition to enhanced and targeted surveillance, CDC also has:




· Held numerous calls with state and local health departments to increase preparedness

· Taken action to improve supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) for farmworkers

· Updated interim recommendations for worker protection to include those who work with dairy cows

· Conducted numerous calls with groups representing farmworkers

· Begun targeted paid digital outreach in affected counties to reach farmworkers with information about bird flu prevention and what to do if they develop symptoms.




CDC Recommendations

· People should avoid close, long, or unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals (including cows).

· People should also avoid unprotected exposures to animal poop, bedding (litter), unpasteurized (“raw”) milk, or materials that have been touched by, or close to, birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed A(H5N1) virus.

· CDC has interim recommendations for prevention, monitoring, and public health investigations of A(H5N1) virus infections in people. CDC also has updated recommendations for worker protection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Following these recommendations is central to reducing a person’s risk and containing the overall public health risk.



More information about A(H5N1) is available on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm.

[sharon sanders]

There was no mention of this treated and recovered case yesterday, July 2, at the joint HHS/CDC/USDA/FDA/Barda/ASPR H5N1 media teleconference.

[Treyfish]

No mention of when this happened or any family members or coworkers either. If he already recovered then it was more than a week ago if he’s “all good “. No talk about how many cows, are they still hot, or if he went back to work milking cows IF that’s what he was doing. No mention of cats at the farm or anything else laying around dead.
Here’s a guy with conjunctivitis. The end.

[sharon sanders]

snip


Novel Influenza A Virus:


A patient aged > 18 years in Colorado developed eye redness and irritation on June 26, 2024, while working at a commercial dairy cattle farm where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus had been detected in cows. The patient reported their symptoms to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment during a public health visit to the farm. Respiratory and conjunctival specimens were collected on June 28, 2024. A respiratory specimen was inconclusive at the Colorado State Public Health Lab using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) influenza A(H5) assay. Specimens were then sent to CDC for further testing. The specimens were received and tested at CDC on July 2, 2024. A respiratory specimen was positive for influenza A and A(H5) virus using diagnostic RT-PCR. Additional analysis of the respiratory specimen, including genetic sequencing, is underway. The patient was not hospitalized, was provided with oseltamivir for treatment and symptoms are resolving.

In response to this detection additional case investigation and surveillance activities are currently ongoing by public health officials.

This is the fifth person to test positive for A(H5) virus in the United States overall. The first was reported in April 2022 in Colorado, the second in April 2024 in Texas, and the third and fourth were reported in May 2024 in Michigan. This is the fourth case associated with an ongoing multistate outbreak of HPAI A(H5N1) in dairy cows in 2024.

Currently in the United States, HPAI A(H5N1) virus has been detected in wild birds, and there have been outbreaks among other animals including commercial poultry, backyard flocks, and dairy cows. Sporadic infections in wild mammals have also been reported by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

CDC recommends that state and local public health departments monitor people who are exposed to birds or other animals (including livestock) suspected to be infected with avian influenza A viruses for onset of signs and symptoms until 10 days after their last exposure and that people who develop signs or symptoms of respiratory illness and/or conjunctivitis be tested for influenza. During February 9, 2022 — June 29, 2024, over 9,800 people were monitored following exposure to HPAI infected birds, cows, or other animals.

Interim recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations are available at https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevent...endations.html.

Information about avian influenza is available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm.

The latest case reports on avian influenza outbreaks in wild birds, commercial poultry; backyard or hobbyist flocks; and mammals in the United States are available from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/our...enza/2022-hpai.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm

[Pathfinder]

CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update, July 12, 2024
...
Among other activities previously reported in past spotlights and still ongoing, recent highlights of CDC's response to this include:

Reporting that despite extensive efforts, CDC has been unable to sequence or isolate virus from the recent human case in Colorado. Attempts to sequence viral RNA from the Colorado case were unsuccessful most likely due to insufficient virus in the clinical sample. As a result, CDC has not been able to conclusively determine the neuraminidase (NA) subtype of the virus. Given that cows on the farm where the patient worked were confirmed positive for A(H5N1) virus infection, it is likely this was an N1 also, but that cannot be conclusively demonstrated. Virus isolation attempts in eggs and cells were similarly unsuccessful.
...

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/national-international-government-ngo-preparation-response/cdc/h5n1-information/993525-cdc-a-h5n1-bird-flu-response-update-july-12-2024