CDC getting ready for potential rise in human health risks from bird flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert on Friday expressing concerns about the potential increased risk of bird flu to human health. This alert came following an outbreak among dairy cows and the confirmation of two human cases. Despite this, the CDC stated that the current risk of bird flu, also known as avian influenza, to people in the United States is low.

In late March, federal and state public health officials began investigating an illness among older dairy cows in Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas. The cows were experiencing symptoms such as decreased lactation and low appetite. The first confirmed case was in a farm worker in Texas, while the second case was in a Michigan farm worker who had regular exposure to livestock infected with bird flu.

The CDC mentioned that the A(H5N1) viruses currently circulating do not easily spread to or between people. However, there is a possibility that these viruses could mutate and gain the ability to infect and spread between humans more efficiently, potentially causing a pandemic. They urged continued monitoring of the situation for any updates.

As the situation evolves, further updates will be provided. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed about developments related to bird flu and to take appropriate precautions as necessary.