Bird flu mapped: All cases found across US as person in Texas infected by rare virus
First, it was birds, then it was cattle: now, a Texas dairy worker has tested positive for avian flu in the second case ever recorded in the US.
The infection, known as H5N1, has worried public health professionals for decades with its spread to domestic birds and animals. In “extremely rare” cases, it can be passed on to humans. America’s first and only other case of bird flu 7in humans was identified in April 2022. The Colorado resident had exposure to poultry and was involved in culling animals suspected to have the virus. They recovered after a few days of bed rest. However, others who have contracted H5N1 around the globe haven’t been so lucky, with its mortality rate nearing 60%. On Monday, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed that a resident had contracted the virus after exposure to infected dairy cattle. “The case does not change the risk for the general public, which remains low,” the TDSH said in a statement.
The patient, whose main symptom is similar to conjunctivitis, is now being treated with antiviral drug oseltamivir – more commonly known as Tamiflu. They are expected to make a full recovery.
Story by James Liddell
• 1h • 3 min read
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/bird-flu-mapped-all-cases-found-across-us-as-person-in-texas-infected-by-rare-virus/ar-BB1kWGfi