HomeFeaturesBird Flu: US Confirms First Case Without Animal Contact

Bird Flu: US Confirms First Case Without Animal Contact

The United States has confirmed its first case of bird flu without animal contact and they have also revealed that the adult patient, who has underlying conditions, was admitted to hospital on August 22.

He received antiviral medications for influenza, subsequently recuperated, and was released, as per statements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Read Also: EU Reveals ‘Credible Info’ About Iran’s Ballistic Missiles

Upon initial testing, the patient’s flu type seemed doubtful, so it was forwarded for further testing at state and federal laboratories. The subsequent results indicated that it was H5, also referred to as avian flu or bird flu.

The patient’s close contacts or any other person have not been identified as having received transmission, according to the CDC.

Scientists have voiced concern about the growing number of mammals becoming infected by bird flu, even if cases in humans remain rare.

They fear a high rate of transmission could facilitate a mutation of the virus, which could enable it to be passed from one human to another.

Contacted by AFP, the World Health Organization said on Saturday it was “encouraging that the national disease surveillance system has identified this case, that the patient received antiviral treatment, and that no further cases have been detected among close contacts”.

“It is critical that investigations into the patient’s exposure are continued, as indicated by national and state authorities, to inform further prevention and response activities,” said Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention.

“WHO strongly supports US efforts for surveillance of zoonotic influenza across human, environmental and animal sectors,” Van Kerkhove continued.

“It is important to understand the circulation of avian influenza in poultry, wild birds and other animals in the state,” she said of Missouri.

“Stronger disease surveillance in animals is essential to protect animal and human health.”

The person who tested positive for bird flu was the 14th to do so in the US this year, and the first without known contact with animals.

 

The Eastern Updates 

Most Popular

Recent Comments