A Missouri patient tested positive for the H5N1 virus in August without known contact with poultry or dairy cows and has since recovered. Two health workers in contact with the patient developed respiratory symptoms, with the second one not being tested for influenza. A household contact of the patient also became sick, showing gastrointestinal symptoms. Initially, CDC reported that none of the contacts showed signs of illness, but later confirmed the illnesses. Blood samples were collected for serological testing, and the CDC is investigating the source of infection.
Experts are concerned about the timing of the illnesses and the possibility of human-to-human transmission. The CDC is investigating whether the patient had interactions with wild birds or bird feeders, consumed animal products, or had any animal exposures. Despite limited human-to-human transmission possibilities, the virus may not have changed genetically to spread more easily to humans.
Fourteen bird flu infections, mostly in poultry and dairy workers, have been reported since March amid an outbreak of H5N1 in dairy cows across 213 herds in 14 states. The CDC continues to monitor and investigate the situation in collaboration with health officials and experts.
The possibility of human-to-human transmission of the bird flu virus underscores the importance of monitoring and investigating unusual illness patterns, identifying potential sources of infection, and implementing preventive measures to prevent further transmission and outbreaks.
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