Washington resident hospitalized with bird flu infection
A Washington resident has been hospitalized with bird flu, according to the Washington State Health Department, and they’re infected with a strain of the virus that hasn’t been seen in humans before, reports BritPanorama.
This case marks the first reported instance of bird flu in a human in the US in nine months. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the overall risk to the public from the virus remains low.
The patient, hospitalized with H5N5 avian influenza since early October, is described as an older resident of Grays Harbor County with underlying health issues. The exact source of the virus transmission is still being investigated by state and local health officials, but preliminary investigations suggest potential exposure through backyard poultry.
The virus transmits via an animal’s saliva, mucus, feces, or through dairy products. The risk of bird flu typically increases during late autumn and winter as migratory birds interact with domestic flocks.
Although bird flu has affected wild birds globally for decades, the current outbreak in the US began in January 2022 and has seen an unusual increase in infections among mammals.
No confirmed human-to-human transmission of the virus has been reported in the US, but Washington public health officials are reaching out to individuals who may have had close contact with the patient to monitor symptoms and provide necessary testing and treatment.
Despite the low risk to the general population, Dr. Richard Webby highlights the virus’s “pandemic potential.” He notes that while it is not an easy transition for the virus to move from birds to humans, it cannot be entirely ruled out. “It’s going to take a little bit of the biologic stars aligning for that to happen,” he stated. “Only time will tell us, unfortunately.”
According to the CDC, seventy other cases of bird flu have been recorded in humans during the ongoing outbreak, with one death occurring in January involving an elderly individual with pre-existing conditions.
While some cases have been severe, most individuals who contracted the virus have experienced mild symptoms, such as red eyes and fever. Of the human cases reported, 41 involved individuals working closely with cattle, while 24 were poultry workers. Two cases involved other animal exposures, and the exposure was unknown in three cases.
The CDC advises individuals working with animals to use protective equipment and caution when handling animal feces. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Health recommends wearing gloves and disinfecting areas where birds have left droppings, utilizing a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water.
In terms of handling deceased birds, the health department suggests wearing protective masks and gloves, and ensuring proper disposal in sealed packaging. They also recommend avoiding consumption of any uncooked or unpasteurized foods, and encourage getting a flu shot as a precaution.
The dynamic nature of bird flu remains a challenge, necessitating ongoing vigilance and preparation as public health authorities monitor the situation closely.
