A new case of avian influenza, or H5 flu, in humans has been identified, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The case occurred in the state of Missouri. Since the afflicted individual had no contact with animals, attention was drawn to the infection.
The case was reported thanks to the seasonal influenza surveillance system in the state of Missouri that is still in place. With this, fourteen cases of H5 influenza infection have already been detected in the United States during 2024. However, the reason for the emergence of this infection is that it is the first case in which the affected person had no known contact with infected animals.
Although they made it clear that the patient had some underlying medical issues, they stated that the impacted patient was hospitalized. They did not elaborate on the reasons for his medical care, but they did say that he was given antiviral medication and was released from the hospital after making a full recovery.
There haven’t been any bird flu epidemics in Missouri’s cow herd, according to the CDC, despite outbreaks in commercial poultry and wild birds.
Health officials have assured the people living in the affected states that there is nothing to worry about because they are currently monitoring the states and have not observed any unusual behavior. Infection risk is actually still quite low.
Even if US health professionals have strongly assured that there is no need for substantial alarm, the main symptoms of avian flu are outlined on the specialized health portal MedlinePlus:
- Fever
- Those
- Sore throat
- Nasal discharge or congestion
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Redness in the eyes
- Trouble breathing
- Diarrhea
It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that individuals who are already ill are more vulnerable to contracting avian flu or H5, as was the case with the infections discovered in Missouri.