On September 6, 2023, U.S. health authorities reported the first case of bird flu in a person without known animal contact, raising concerns about the potential spread of the virus. The adult patient from Missouri was hospitalized on August 22 and has since recovered. This case is significant as it marks the 15th human case of the H5 influenza virus reported in the U.S. since 2022, with most previous infections linked to agricultural work.
The CDC confirmed that outbreaks of the H5 virus have affected at least 196 dairy herds across 14 states, alongside poultry outbreaks in 48 states. Experts are particularly worried about the virus's mutation potential, which could allow it to spread more easily among humans. Despite these concerns, the CDC maintains that the risk to the general public remains low.
Health officials are conducting thorough investigations to understand how the Missouri patient contracted the virus, especially since there have been no reported infections in dairy cattle in the state. The patient's sample will undergo further study to determine if mutations might facilitate human transmission. Meanwhile, Missouri health officials noted no unusual influenza activity or spikes in emergency room visits.
