H5 avian influenza case reported in Colorado, 4th case reported in ongoing A(H5N1) outbreak
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Colorado Department of Agriculture, has identified a human case of avian influenza H5 infection associated with a multi-state outbreak of the virus in dairy cattle.
The adult male had mild symptoms, reporting only conjunctivitis (pink eye). He reported his symptoms to state health officials, who tested him for influenza at the State Public Health Laboratory. Testing results were inconclusive at the state. Specimens forwarded to CDC for additional testing were positive for influenza A(H5). The state was then notified of the results. The designation of the influenza virus neuraminidase (the N in the subtype) is pending genetic sequencing at CDC. Attempts to sequence the virus in the clinical specimen are underway and will be made available within 1-2 days if successful.
CDPHE gave the individual antiviral treatment with oseltamivir in accordance with CDC guidance. He has recovered. This case is an employee at a dairy farm in northeast Colorado who had direct exposure to dairy cattle infected with avian flu.
This is the fourth case associated with an ongoing multistate outbreak of A(H5N1) in dairy cows and the first in Colorado. Previous cases were reported in Texas (1) and Michigan (2).
The last human detection of H5N1 in Colorado was in 2022 in someone who was exposed to infected poultry.
“Our partnership with the Colorado Department of Agriculture has been crucial in disseminating information to dairy farmers across the state,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE. “Coloradans should feel confident that the state is doing everything possible to mitigate the virus.”
It is safe to drink pasteurized milk (fda.gov) and eat properly handled and cooked dairy, beef, and poultry products in the United States. The proper handling and cooking of poultry, meat, and eggs kills bacteria and viruses, including avian flu viruses. An updated study released earlier this week by FDA and USDA reinforced the safety of the commercial milk supply.
“The risk to most people remains low. Avian flu viruses are currently spreading among animals, but they are not adapted to spread from person to person. Right now, the most important thing to know is that people who have regular exposure to infected animals are at increased risk of infection and should take precautions when they have contact with sick animals,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE.
Colorado officials said the public should not touch sick or dead animals. If you must handle sick or dead animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment (cdc.gov), including an N95 respirator, eye protection, and gloves. If possible, wash your hands with soap and water afterward. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
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The CDC recommends:
People should avoid close, long, or unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals (including cows).
People should also avoid unprotected exposures to animal poop, bedding (litter), unpasteurized (“raw”) milk, or materials that have been touched by, or close to, birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed A(H5N1) virus.
To date, federal officials report 48 states have reported outbreaks in poultry, with nearly 100 million birds, and 12 states with outbreaks in dairy cows (138 dairy herds).