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Colorado Man First to Test Positive for H5N1 Bird Flu Virus
The man is “largely asymptomatic,” currently isolating and taking Tamiflu. But scientists note that the risk to people is low as H5 flu viruses spread among wild birds and poultry.
An inmate in Colorado became the first human in the United States to test positive for the H5N1 strain of bird flu virus, according to state officials and the CDC.
The individual contracted the infection during a work release assignment at a farm in Montrose county where workers were euthanizing an infected flock, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) noted. And the CDC confirmed the result on April 27, 2022.
But the CDPHE suggested that the virus may have been present in his nose due to close contact with infected poultry but may not have caused infection.
The man under the age of 40 is “largely asymptomatic” and reported just mild fatigue. He is currently isolating and taking the antiviral drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir).
About 10 other people involved in the bird removal operation tested negative but will be retested out of an “abundance of caution.” And the affected flock has been euthanized and disposed of under the guidance of the USDA and CDA.
Scientists believe that the risk to people is low as H5 flu viruses spread among wild birds and poultry. They do not normally infect humans nor spread from person to person, the CDPHE noted. There are no known cases of this H5 flu virus spreading among people.
Notably, no other cases have been confirmed in humans in Colorado or the US.
“We want to reassure Coloradans that the risk to them is low,” Rachel Herlihy, MD, state epidemiologist at the CDPHE, said in the press release. “I am grateful for the seamless collaboration between CDC, Department of Corrections, Department of Agriculture, and CDPHE, as we continue to monitor this virus and protect all Coloradans.”
The CDPHE stated that people should avoid contact with poultry that appear ill or are dead and avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds.
The CDC has guidance for specific groups of people exposed to poultry, including poultry workers and people responding to poultry outbreaks. The CDC stated that it will continue to provide further updates to the situation and update guidance as needed.
