Colorado state health officials confirm 9 cases of H5 & H5N1 avian flu in Colorado poultry workers (and one dairy worker = 10 (total for state) - July 12+

[Pathfinder]

Cluster of Influenza A(H5) Cases Associated with Poultry Exposure at Two Facilities — Colorado, July 2024


Weekly / August 29, 2024 / 73(34);734–739

Cara C. Drehoff, DVM^1,2; Elizabeth B. White, PhD³; Aaron M. Frutos, PhD^2,3; Ginger Stringer, PhD¹; Alexis Burakoff, MD¹; Nicole Comstock, MSPH¹; Alicia Cronquist, MPH¹; Nisha Alden, MPH¹; Isaac Armistead, MD¹; Allison Kohnen, DVM¹; Radhika Ratnabalasuriar, MD¹; Emily A. Travanty, PhD¹; Shannon R. Matzinger, PhD¹; Alexandria Rossheim, MS¹; Aleigha Wellbrock¹; H. Pamela Pagano, DrPH³; Dennis Wang, MD^2,4; Jordan Singleton, MD^2,4; Rebekah A. Sutter, MPH^2,5; C. Todd Davis, PhD³; Krista Kniss, MPH³; Sascha Ellington, PhD³; Marie K. Kirby, PhD³; Carrie Reed, DSc³; Rachel Herlihy, MD¹; H5N1 Field Investigation Team (VIEW AUTHOR AFFILIATIONS)

Summary


What is already known about this topic?

Humans who have contact with influenza A(H5N1) virus–infected cattle or poultry can become infected.

What is added by this report?

The first known cluster of human influenza A(H5) cases in the United States associated with poultry exposure occurred in Colorado; 109 (16.4%) of 663 workers performing poultry depopulation reported symptoms and received testing, and nine (8.3%) of the workers who received testing for influenza A(H5) received a positive result. All nine cases were associated with mild illness, with conjunctivitis as the most common symptom.

What are the implications for public health practice?

As the prevalence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13 increases, U.S. public health agencies should prepare to rapidly investigate and respond to illness in agricultural workers, including workers with limited access to health care.

Abstract


Persons who work in close contact with dairy cattle and poultry that are infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus are at increased risk for infection. In July 2024, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment responded to two poultry facilities with HPAI A(H5N1) virus detections in poultry. Across the two facilities, 663 workers assisting with poultry depopulation (i.e., euthanasia) received screening for illness; 109 (16.4%) reported symptoms and consented to testing. Among those who received testing, nine (8.3%) received a positive influenza A(H5) virus test result, and 19 (17.4%) received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. All nine workers who received positive influenza A(H5) test results had conjunctivitis, experienced mild illness, and received oseltamivir. This poultry exposure–associated cluster of human cases of influenza A(H5) is the first reported in the United States. The identification of these cases highlights the ongoing risk to persons who work in close contact with infected animals. Early response to each facility using multidisciplinary, multilingual teams facilitated case-finding, worker screening, and treatment. As the prevalence of HPAI A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13 increases, U.S. public health agencies should prepare to rapidly investigate and respond to illness in agricultural workers, including workers with limited access to health care.

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Investigation and Results

Public Health Notification and Response


On July 8, 2024, poultry in a commercial egg-layer operation in northeast Colorado (facility A)* were confirmed to have highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1).^† Facility A hired approximately 250 contract workers to conduct depopulation (i.e., euthanasia) of all poultry on the premises, which began on July 9. On July 11, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) and Colorado Department of Agriculture were notified of several ill workers. Based on potential exposure and symptoms consistent with influenza A(H5N1) virus infection, a field team was mobilized to conduct testing among symptomatic workers and offer them empiric treatment with the influenza neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir (75 mg twice daily for 5 days). Seven workers reported symptoms and received testing on July 11, and 45 symptomatic workers received testing on July 12; all received oseltamivir. To ensure an adequate supply of the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) for exposed workers (1), CDPHE delivered goggles, N95^§ filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), and nitrile gloves to facility A on July 12. On July 13, a small team returned to determine PPE-use practices during work activities.

Because many workers had symptoms, including several who received presumptive positive test results for influenza A(H5),^¶ and because observed PPE compliance was low, CDPHE distributed oseltamivir to all workers as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP),** irrespective of symptoms. On July 15 and 16, an on-site team conducted symptom screening, testing for symptomatic workers, and distribution of oseltamivir; 13 additional workers with symptoms received testing and empiric treatment, and 219 workers received a 10-day course of oseltamivir PEP.^†† CDPHE returned to facility A on July 23, and identified no additional workers with symptoms.

On July 14, 2024, CDPHE was notified that poultry at facility B, located in the same county as facility A, had a nonnegative test result^§§ for influenza A(H5). CDPHE delivered goggles and N95 FFRs to facility B on July 15. Facility B commenced poultry depopulation on July 15, with approximately 400 contract workers participating. The facility initially reported no illness among workers and high PPE compliance. Therefore, oseltamivir PEP was not offered. Instead, CDPHE established routine screening and offered testing and empiric oseltamivir treatment (75 mg twice daily for 5 days) during six visits^¶¶ to 44 workers experiencing symptoms.

Between CDPHE site visits, staff member team leads at facilities A and B conducted screening among workers before shifts based on guidance from CDPHE. Facility A identified no additional symptomatic workers after July 16. Facility B reported two symptomatic workers during facility-led screening; both workers declined testing and empiric oseltamivir treatment. As depopulation activities concluded, CDPHE visited both facilities to distribute cards providing information in English and Spanish about symptoms of avian influenza A virus infection in humans, where to seek care if workers became ill, and information for health care providers regarding workers’ exposure to H5N1-infected poultry.

Screening and Testing Among Workers


Workers conducting poultry depopulation, carcass removal, and disposal were asked if they were feeling ill. Those with self-reported symptoms were asked to complete a brief questionnaire including information on exposures, symptom onset, specific symptoms,*** and PPE use.^††† Nasopharyngeal swabs and conjunctival swab specimens were collected from workers reporting symptoms; swab specimens were tested for influenza A and A(H5) virus at the CDPHE laboratory. Specimens testing negative for influenza A and A(H5) virus were tested for SARS-CoV-2.^§§§ Specimens testing presumptively positive for influenza A(H5) virus or with inconclusive results were sent to CDC for confirmatory testing. This activity was reviewed by CDC, deemed not research, and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.^¶¶¶

CDPHE screened 663 workers for symptoms during July 11–July 26, 2024. The median age of workers was 30 years (range = 15–56 years), and most spoke only Spanish. At facility A, 65 (25%) of 265 workers who received screening reported symptoms and received testing, and six (9%) of 65 (2.3% of all workers) received a positive influenza A(H5) test result (Table 1). At facility B, 44 (11%) of 398 workers who received screening reported symptoms and received testing, and three (7%) of these 44 workers (0.8% of all workers) received a positive influenza A(H5) test result. Among those who received a negative influenza A and A(H5) test result, one worker at facility A and 18 at facility B received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. Symptom onset date was known for 25 (38%) of 65 workers at facility A and 39 (89%) of 44 workers at facility B (Figure).

PPE Use Among Workers Who Were Symptomatic


Self-reported PPE use among workers who were symptomatic varied by facility. At facility A, workers reported lowest usage for boots or boot covers (18%) and highest usage for masks (49%). At facility B, workers reported lowest usage for head covers (77%) and highest usage for masks (100%).

Clinical Description of Human Influenza A(H5) Cases


All nine workers who received positive influenza A(H5) test results completed the questionnaire at the time of testing, and eight were reached for detailed interviews after receipt of their positive test result. Five cases occurred among women and four among men. The median age was 32 years (range = 18–56 years). Two patients had diabetes, one had asthma, and one was a longtime smoker. All reported direct contact with sick or dead poultry during depopulation and carcass disposal activities. Symptom onset occurred a median of 1 day after initial occupational exposure (range = 1–8 days),**** and symptomatic workers received testing a median of 2 days after symptom onset (range = 0–3 days). All nine patients reported conjunctivitis, seven reported eye tearing, and six reported subjective fever or chills. All patients reporting subjective fever or chills worked at facility A. Respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath were less frequently reported (Table 2). All patients received oseltamivir treatment. Symptoms resolved for seven patients a median of 4 days after onset (range = 1–8 days). Two patients interviewed 2 days after symptom onset reported ongoing or improving conjunctivitis; however, these persons were not able to be interviewed again. No hospitalizations or deaths occurred; one patient sought outpatient medical care for conjunctivitis on the day of symptom onset. Four patients remained symptomatic and were retested 1–5 days after receipt of their initial positive test result; none received a positive follow-up test result. Among the nine workers who received a positive test result for influenza A(H5), both nasopharyngeal and conjunctival swabs were positive for three, only the conjunctival swab was positive for five, and only the nasopharyngeal swab was positive for one. Virus was successfully isolated from specimens from five infected workers, codon complete genomes were successfully sequenced for four cases, and six of eight gene segments were successfully sequenced for one, identifying the viruses as clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13.

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Discussion


Before this outbreak, five human cases of influenza A(H5) had been reported in the United States: one in 2022 in Colorado associated with poultry exposure^†††† and four among dairy workers reported during April–July 2024 associated with clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13 circulating in dairy cattle (2,3). HPAI A(H5N1) has been detected both in dairy cattle herds^§§§§ and poultry flocks in Colorado this year.^¶¶¶¶ This report describes the first cluster of U.S. cases associated with a common source of occupational exposure to poultry. The identification of nine cases across two poultry facilities highlights the ongoing risk to persons who work in close contact with infected animals.

Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of cases in this cluster were similar to those in U.S. human cases of influenza A(H5) associated with exposure to dairy cattle (2,4). All infected workers had occupational exposure to sick or dead poultry, and all reported mostly mild symptoms. However, influenza A(H5N1) virus is known to result in a broad spectrum of illness among humans, including severe disease and death (5), underscoring the importance of prompt investigation and treatment of potential human cases (6). Although environmental contamination (e.g., nasal or ocular carriage of noninfectious viral particles) cannot be ruled out in this cluster, evidence suggests that many of these cases represent actual infection. Four of nine cases occurred in persons who received testing as they arrived at work in the morning, before exposure to environmental or occupational contaminants occurred on the day of testing.***** In addition, all nine infected workers reported symptoms of conjunctivitis and received testing within 3 days of symptom onset; conjunctivitis has been observed in previous cases with occupational exposure to HPAI-infected poultry (7). Influenza A(H5N1) virus was also isolated, and full-length gene segments were sequenced from clinical specimens collected from five patients.

Poultry depopulation activities and their attendant environments are associated with high potential for viral exposure at affected facilities. In addition to handling and disposing of dead birds, the predominant depopulation method used at both facilities also involved handling each live bird,^{†††††} which increased exposure and the risk for displacement of or damage to PPE, especially in these cage-free facilities where birds roam free and must be physically caught. Agricultural worker health and safety should be prioritized by employers through the use of engineering, administrative, and PPE controls. Challenges were reported and observed in the acquisition, provision, and training in the use of proper PPE for a large number of workers who were urgently hired to depopulate poultry. Self-reported PPE use was low for certain components, observations revealed some inconsistent or improper PPE use, and extreme heat made compliance difficult. However, cases were also identified in facility B where frequency of PPE use was higher, but still <100%.

This cluster of influenza A(H5) cases in a predominantly Spanish-speaking migrant workforce highlights the importance of a public health response that prioritizes health equity. Multilingual teams including Spanish speakers were fundamental to building trust and conducting postexposure screening and testing and providing treatment. The robust public health response by CDPHE, including on-site screening and timely testing of symptomatic workers, increased access to care and likely optimized case-finding. Testing was also critical to identifying cases from a larger cohort of symptomatic persons working in close contact in an enclosed environment, which can facilitate spread of respiratory pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, and environmental respiratory irritation was likely (8).

Implications for Public Health Practice


These findings suggest that poultry workers who are exposed to enclosed environments with birds infected with HPAI A(H5N1) virus are at increased risk for infection. Given the continued circulation of this virus in the United States, public health agencies should proactively prepare for additional human cases in both dairy and poultry facilities. This preparation should include distributing PPE; training public health field teams on proper PPE use; determining the logistics of large-scale screening, specimen collection, and laboratory testing to distinguish influenza A(H5) virus from seasonal respiratory viruses; acquiring oseltamivir; and developing standardized protocols for empiric treatment or PEP with oseltamivir. In addition, response preparation should include the cultural and language needs of the agricultural workforce in the jurisdiction. A One Health^§§§§§ approach that takes into consideration human, animal, and environmental health is also required for a timely and coordinated response, including collaboration with industry, labor, and regulatory agriculture partners.
...

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7334a1.htm?s_cid=mm7334a1_w

[Pathfinder]

Last updated August 22, 2024

Avian flu in farm workers


The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is supporting the Colorado Department of Agriculture in the state’s response to H5N1 avian flu. The virus has spread among poultry and dairy cattle in the state. Colorado health officials have also identified it in farm workers directly exposed to infected cattle and poultry. At this time, there is no evidence of person-to-person spread.

Human cases and tests


Since May 2024:

Confirmed human cases	Presumptive human cases	Approximate number of people tested
10	0	137

...

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/hpai-h5n1

[Pathfinder]

Last updated August 13, 2024

Avian flu in farm workers


The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is supporting the Colorado Department of Agriculture in the state’s response to H5N1 avian flu. The virus has spread among poultry and dairy cattle in the state. Colorado health officials have also identified it in farm workers directly exposed to infected cattle and poultry. At this time, there is no evidence of person-to-person spread.

Human cases and tests


Since May 2024:

Confirmed human cases	Presumptive human cases	Approximate number of people tested
10	0	136

These numbers are updated on Tuesdays and Thursdays by 4 p.m.

...

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/hpai-h5n1

[Pathfinder]

Last updated August 8, 2024

Avian flu in farm workers


The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is supporting the Colorado Department of Agriculture in the state’s response to H5N1 avian flu. The virus has spread among poultry and dairy cattle in the state. Colorado health officials have also identified it in farm workers directly exposed to infected cattle and poultry. At this time, there is no evidence of person-to-person spread.

Human cases and tests


Since May 2024:

Confirmed human cases	Presumptive human cases	Approximate number of people tested
10	0	135

These numbers are updated on Tuesdays and Thursdays by 4 p.m.

For data about affected animals and agricultural facilities, visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s avian flu response webpage.

...

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/hpai-h5n1

[Pathfinder]

Last updated July 30, 2024

Avian flu in farm workers


The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is supporting the Colorado Department of Agriculture in the state’s response to H5N1 avian flu. The virus has spread among poultry and dairy cattle in the state. Colorado health officials have also identified it in farm workers directly exposed to infected cattle and poultry. At this time, there is no evidence of person-to-person spread.

Human cases and tests


Since May 2024:

Confirmed human cases	Presumptive human cases	Approximate number of people tested
10	0	134

These numbers are updated on Tuesdays and Thursdays by 4 p.m.

...

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/hpai-h5n1

[Pathfinder]

CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update July 26, 2024
...
CDC Update
...
Since April 2024, 13 human cases of avian influenza A(H5) infection have been reported in the United States. Four of these cases were associated with exposure to sick dairy cows and nine were associated with exposure to avian influenza A(H5N1)-infected poultry. A B This includes three additional cases in Colorado that were confirmed by CDC this week. The three new cases were in poultry workers who were working directly with infected poultry at a commercial egg layer operation that had reported an outbreak of H5 bird flu among poultry. Similar to previous cases, all of the people have mild illness. Based on the information available at this time, CDC's current assessment is that the risk to the general public from H5 bird flu remains low. On the animal health side, USDA is reporting that 171 dairy cow herds in 13 U.S. states have confirmed cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infections in dairy cows as the number of infected herds continues to grow. USDA reports that since April 2024, there have been A(H5) detections in 35 commercial flocks and 19 backyard flocks, for a total of 18.37 million birds affected.

Among other activities previously reported in past spotlights and ongoing, recent highlights of CDC's response to this include:

Colorado Investigation Update


More than 600 workers performing depopulation activities on three poultry farms have been screened for symptoms. Of these, 103 had symptoms and were tested, and nine were positive for influenza A(H5). Other respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) were also detected among symptomatic workers. Symptom onset began within two-three days and peaked within five days after the start of depopulation. Among nine workers who tested positive for avian influenza A(H5), all reported mild symptoms (predominantly conjunctivitis) and were tested within three days of symptom onset. All cases have been provided oseltamivir and are recovering. More in-depth summaries of the investigation are in process with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Laboratory Update


CDC sequencing of the virus from the sixth human case reported from Colorado confirms the neuraminidase (the N in the subtype) is an N1 and the virus is a HPAI A(H5N1) virus from clade 2.3.4.4b. Six of the eight influenza virus gene segments (the majority of the flu genome) were successfully sequenced. The sequences are closely related to the virus sequence described last week, A/Colorado/109/2024, as well as viruses detected in recent poultry outbreaks and infected dairy cattle herds made available from USDA. The sequence maintains primarily avian genetic characteristics and lacks changes that would make the virus better adapted to infect or spread among humans.

The influenza virus sequence contains a change at PB2 M631L – which is the same marker of mammalian adaptation identified in more than 99% of dairy cow sequences and that was also identified in the first Michigan human case. The influenza virus sequence does NOT have the PB2 E627K change that was seen in the virus from the case in Texas but not subsequent human viruses. That change is known to be associated with viral adaptation to mammalian hosts and has been found before in people and other mammals, but with no evidence of onward spread among people.

Furthermore, there are no markers known to be associated with influenza antiviral resistance to neuraminidase-inhibitors found in the virus sequence from the patient's specimen. The genetic sequences for the virus from the patient (A/Colorado/134/2024) were posted to two sequence databases: GISAID (EPI_ISL_19280426) and GenBank (PQ060139). Influenza virus isolates and sequences were only successfully generated from two of the six human cases from the first poultry farm in Colorado. Overall, the genetic analysis of this HPAI A(H5N1) virus in Colorado supports CDC's conclusion that the human health risk currently remains low.

...
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/national-international-government-ngo-preparation-response/cdc/h5n1-information/994336-cdc-a-h5n1-bird-flu-response-update-july-26-2024

[sharon sanders]

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/hpai-h5n1

[Mary Wilson]

CDC Confirms Three Human Cases of H5 Bird Flu Among Colorado Poultry Workers

For immediate release:
July 25, 2024

STATEMENT

Media Statement - Three additional human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) (“H5 bird flu”) virus infection have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in association with a second poultry farm in Northeast Colorado/Weld County.

July 25, 2024 – Three additional human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) (“H5 bird flu”) virus infection have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in association with a second poultry farm in Northeast Colorado/Weld County. Colorado previously announced one of them as a presumptive positive case on Saturday, July 20. The three confirmed cases occurred in people who were working directly with infected poultry at a commercial egg layer operation that had reported an outbreak of H5 bird flu among poultry.

All three people have mild illness and have been offered the antiviral drug, oseltamivir, for treatment. State and local officials continue to monitor poultry workers on farms with infected poultry. This is a different farm in Colorado from the one where on Friday, July 19, CDC confirmed two additional human cases of H5 bird flu, which brought the total human cases associated with that first poultry farm to six. With the addition of these three new confirmed human cases, the total number of human cases associated with the current poultry outbreaks in Colorado is nine. A CDC multidisciplinary, bilingual field team is currently deployed to support Colorado’s response to ongoing poultry outbreaks of H5 bird flu in the state.

Confirmation of these three additional cases brings the total number of human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States since April 2024 to 13. Prior to 2024, the only previous human case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States was reported among a poultry worker in Colorado in April 2022. Counting that case, there have been 14 total human cases of H5 bird flu in the United States since 2022.

Based on available data, CDC’s current assessment is that the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low. As we learn more, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates. These preliminary results again underscore the risk of exposure to infected animals. There are no signs of unexpected increases in flu activity otherwise in Colorado, or in other states affected by H5 bird flu outbreaks in cows and poultry. Human infections with this novel influenza A virus (and others) are concerning because of the potential to cause severe, widespread disease. To date, we have not seen genetic changes in the virus that would make it more likely to transmit between humans, but we are closely monitoring it.

CDC’s recommendations related to H5 virus have not changed at this time. Findings from the investigation will inform whether guidance changes are needed. The investigation will include looking into compliance with the recommended use of personal protective equipment. Historically, most human cases of bird flu infection have happened in people who are not wearing recommended personal protective equipment. An analysis of the virus sequences from this outbreak also will be important to determine if a change in the risk assessment is warranted.

CDC Recommendations

• People should avoid 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 feces (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.

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0725-three-human-cases-of-h5-bird-flu.html

[Treyfish]

3 Colorado poultry workers at second egg facility test positive for bird flu, bringing state total to 10

CDPHE to launch bird flu human tracker as cases among people continue to increase
Posted at 1 hour and 32 minutes ago
and last updated 0 minutes ago
Óscar Contreras
…..


The update from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) means nine workers have been infected with H5N1 at poultry farms — eight of them just within the past two weeks — since the outbreak of avian influenza was first detected in the state in March of 2022.

A dairy worker was infected with the virusearlier this month after coming into contact with sick cattle, the first instance in which the virus was likely transmitted from a mammal to a human since the unprecedented spillover of the virus into the country’s dairy cattle herds earlier this year.

The announcement from the CDPHE did not say what clinical symptoms the three additional poultry workers presented, nor did it say if any had to be hospitalized or what type of antiviral treatment they had received. Denver7 has reached out to the state health department for additional details.

A news release from the CDC, however, stated all three workers have mild illness and have been offered oseltamivir for treatment of their symptoms.

These three additional cases now bring the total number of humans infected with H5N1 since the virus was first detected in the U.S. in 2022 to 14, according to the CDC.

….

https://www.denver7.com/news/state-news/3-additional-colorado-poultry-workers-test-positive-for-bird-flu-bringing-state-total-to-10

[sharon sanders]

Please see:

US - H5N1 Human Case List

[sharon sanders]

State health officials to publish data table for human cases of avian flu in Colorado

Coloradans can find twice weekly updates on avian flu in humans on the CDPHE website

Denver (July 25, 2024) — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment — in coordination with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and State Emergency Operations Center — is reporting three confirmed cases of avian flu in humans at a second farm in Weld County, bringing the total number of cases to three at that particular farm. Public health officials first reported news of the virus at a second farm last Saturday. This update brings Colorado's total number of confirmed avian flu cases in humans to 10 — nine cases at two poultry farms and one case from a dairy farm.

Later today, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will launch a data table to track cases of avian flu in humans. The table will be updated on the CDPHE website by 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

The biweekly update will include the number of presumptive positive human cases, number of confirmed human cases, approximate number of people tested, and a link to the Colorado Department of Agriculture for the number of impacted dairy and poultry farms.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture provides data on avian flu in poultry and dairy cattle, which is updated weekly or as data is confirmed.

The CDC continues to state that the risk of avian flu to the general public is low. So far, we have not seen evidence of person-to-person transmission. Epidemiologists both here in Colorado and at CDC are monitoring for genetic variations in the virus and changes in transmission patterns.



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Las autoridades de salud estatales publican un tablero de datos sobre los casos humanos de gripe aviar en Colorado


Los coloradenses podrán encontrar dos veces por semana datos actualizados sobre casos de gripe aviar en seres humanos en el sitio web del CDPHE

Denver (25 de julio de 2024) — El Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado (CDPHE) — en tarea coordinada con el Departamento de Agricultura de Colorado y el Centro Estatal de Operaciones de Emergencia — notifica tres casos confirmados de gripe aviar en una segunda granja del Condado de Weld, lo cual lleva el total de casos en dicha granja a tres. Los funcionarios de Salud Pública informaron acerca de la presencia del virus en esta segunda granja el pasado sábado. Con esta actualización, el número total de caso de gripe aviar en seres humanos se eleva a diez (nueve en dos granjas avícolas y uno en un establecimiento lechero).

Más tarde durante el día de hoy, el CDPHE lanzará un tablero de datos con el fin de rastrear los casos de gripe aviar en seres humanos. El tablero se actualizará en el sitio web del CDPHE antes de las 4 p.m. todos los martes y jueves.

La actualización quincenal incluirá el número de casos humanos presuntamente positivos y de casos confirmados, el número aproximado de pruebas de detección realizadas y un enlace al Departamento de Agricultura de Colorado para encontrar el número de establecimientos lecheros y granjas avícolas afectadas.

Los CDC continúan afirmando que el riesgo de contagio es bajo para el público en general. A la fecha, no hemos encontrado evidencia de transmisión entre seres humanos. Los epidemiólogos del Estado de Colorado y de los CDC están monitoreando variaciones genéticas en el virus y modificaciones en el mecanismo de transmisión.

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/state-health-officials-to-publish-data-table-for-human-cases-of-avian-flu-in-colorado

[Michael Coston]

Colorado: 3 Confirmed Human H5 Infections at 2nd Poultry Farm

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/avianflu/avian-flu-transmission.pdf

#18,207

Today Colorado's Health Department announced 3 confirmed cases of HPAI H5 among poultry workers on the 2nd farm (one case was reported as presumed positive on Monday), bringing to 10 the number of cases (1 cattle linked, 9 poultry linked) reported by that state over the past few months.

No details are provided on these 2 new cases, with the thrust of the announcement focused more on the unveiling - later today - of a new data table for tracking cases. We should get more details tomorrow, however, from the CDC weekly roundup.

The brief statement follows.

State health officials to publish data table for human cases of avian flu in Colorado

Coloradans can find twice weekly updates on avian flu in humans on the CDPHE website

Denver (July 25, 2024) — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment — in coordination with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and State Emergency Operations Center — is reporting three confirmed cases of avian flu in humans at a second farm in Weld County, bringing the total number of cases to three at that particular farm. Public health officials first reported news of the virusat a second farm last Saturday. This update brings Colorado's total number of confirmed avian flu cases in humans to 10 — nine cases at two poultry farms and one case from a dairy farm.

Later today, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will launch a data table to track cases of avian flu in humans. The table will be updated on the CDPHE websiteby 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

The biweekly update will include the number of presumptive positive human cases, number of confirmed human cases, approximate number of people tested, and a link to the Colorado Department of Agriculture for the number of impacted dairy and poultry farms.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture provides data on avian flu in poultry and dairy cattle, which is updated weekly or as data is confirmed.

The CDC continues to state that the risk of avian flu to the general public is low. So far, we have not seen evidence of person-to-person transmission. Epidemiologists both here in Colorado and at CDC are monitoring for genetic variations in the virus and changes in transmission patterns.

It seems likely that more cases will turn up in the days and weeks ahead.

Stay tuned.

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2024/07/colorado-3-confirmed-human-h5.html

[Treyfish]

Seventh poultry worker in Colorado with bird flu


The Centers for Disease Control said the risk to the general public from the disease is low.

By
FERN's Ag Insider


Published on July 22, 2024
An additional worker became infected with the H5N1 avian flu virus while culling sick hens at a Colorado egg farm, said state public health officials, raising the U.S. total of infected workers to 11, all with mild symptoms. Eight of the cases, seven involving poultry and one involving dairy, have occurred in Colorado.

The Centers for Disease Control said the risk to the general public from the disease is low. It recommends use of protective equipment, such as goggles, masks and gloves, by people in contact with infected or possibly infected animals.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said six workers, one more than reported earlier, contracted bird flu while killing and disposing of H5N1-infec
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https://www.agriculture.com/seventh-...rd-flu-8681340

[Pathfinder]

State health officials closely monitor farms responding to avian flu spread in poultry and cows

State health officials report another presumptive case of avian flu in a poultry farm worker

Denver (July 20, 2024) — State health officials have identified another presumptive positive human case of avian flu after providing assistance at a second poultry farm in northeast Colorado/Weld County. The State Laboratory will now send the sample to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation. Testing of other workers, who are culling infected poultry at the commercial egg layer operation, is ongoing.

For detailed information on previous cases and the state's ongoing response, please refer to our earlier press release(opens in new window), which reports six confirmed human cases of avian flu among workers at another farm in Weld County.

The state’s disciplined, coordinated response between the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the State Emergency Operations Center allows it to respond quickly to farms across Colorado.

The CDC continues to state that the risk of avian flu to the general public is low. It also continues to be safe to consume properly handled and cooked poultry products. For more information about avian flu in humans, visit CDPHE's avian flu information page(opens in new window).

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/state-health-officials-closely-monitor-farms-responding-to-avian-flu-spread-in

[Treyfish]

Seventh poultry worker in Colorado with bird flu


July 21, 2024

An additional worker became infected with the H5N1 avian flu virus while culling sick hens at a Colorado egg farm, said state public health officials, raising the U.S. total of infected workers to 11, all with mild symptoms. Eight of the cases, seven involving poultry and one involving dairy, have occurred in Colorado. The Centers.

https://thefern.org/ag_insider/seventh-poultry-worker-in-colorado-with-bird-flu/