Iowa - HHS announces 1st human case of H5N1 bird flu, mild, poultry contact - December 20, 2024

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/local-news/iowa-hhs-1st-human-case-of-bird-flu-in-iowa-found/

Iowa HHS: 1st human case of bird flu in Iowa found
by: Wesley Thoene
Posted: Dec 20, 2024 / 05:38 PM CST
Updated: Dec 20, 2024 / 05:39 PM CST


DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — Iowa health officials say that a person in the state has contracted bird flu for the first time.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) said in a release that it is the first case of a human getting avian influenza A(H5) in the state. The State Hygienic Laboratory tested the individual and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the case.

Officials said the person was exposed to the disease while working in a commercial flock of infected poultry in northwest Iowa. The infected individual had mild symptoms. They received treatment and are recovering.​..

 

[sharon sanders]

Iowa HHS Reports First Human Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Iowa, Risk Remains Very Low to Public

• Friday, December 20, 2024
• News Release

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is reporting the first human case of avian influenza A(H5) in the state. The individual was exposed to infected poultry while working with a commercial flock in northwest Iowa. The individual reported mild symptoms, has received appropriate treatment and is recovering. The case was identified through testing at the State Hygienic Laboratory and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of December 20, 2024, the CDC has reported 64 confirmed human cases of H5 HPAI across nine states. The majority of the exposures are linked to infected poultry or dairy cows. There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) is occurring in the U.S.

Although human infections are rare, the virus is spread through prolonged exposure around infected flocks and herds, through the eyes, nose or mouth. Any individuals with direct contact who develop flu-like symptoms or an eye infection should contact their doctor. To reduce the risk of infection or spread, people in direct contact with exposed animals should wear proper PPE and avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals, including birds.

“Iowa has monitored the spread of avian influenza closely since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is prepared with the established knowledge, strong partnerships, and effective tools to mitigate its impact on our community,” said Iowa HHS State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse.

There is no concern about the safety of eggs and poultry products or pasteurized milk and dairy products. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk.​

https://hhs.iowa.gov/news-release/2...ian-influenza-hpai-iowa-risk-remains-very-low

 

[sharon sanders]

Please see:

US - Humans with full or partial test positive H5N1 results list (CDC + states + seropositive + assay positive)​

Iowa - Avian influenza in poultry 2024​

Gov. Reynolds Announces Disaster Proclamation for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in O'Brien County 12/14/24​

Iowa - Avian influenza in wild birds 2024​

 

[Commonground]

1/7/25
Excerpt:

Iowa marks first bird flu case of 2025 in Clinton County

​Iowa reported its first case of the virus infecting a human Dec. 20. Reports from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services at the time said the individual had mild symptoms and was recovering.

Alex Murphy, the director of communications for the department, said the diagnosed individual has recovered and no other cases have been detected in Iowa humans.
​
https://www.corydontimes.com/news/s...cle_aec021af-64bc-55c6-91e5-4497adebaf32.html