John Jefferson
The CDC has confirmed the first case of avian influenza A(H5) bird flu in a person not known to have been exposed to an infected animal, the agency announced on Friday.
The case ties back to a patient in Missouri, and the CDC on Thursday confirmed a sample taken from the individual.
The patient was hospitalized, treated with antiviral medications, and has since recovered.
“This is the 14th human case of H5 reported in the United States during 2024 and the first case of H5 without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals,” the CDC wrote in a statement. “H5 outbreaks in cattle have not been reported in Missouri, but outbreaks of H5 have been reported in commercial and backyard poultry flocks in 2024. H5N1 bird flu has been detected in wild birds in that state in the past.”
No ongoing transmission has been identified among close contacts of the patient, the CDC said.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new information.
Read the full article here