"This marks the third human case since the bird flu was detected in U.S. dairy cattle this spring but the first to report symptoms of respiratory illness."

"Another Michigan dairy worker has been infected with a highly virulent bird flu, marking the third human case since the disease was detected in dairy cattle this spring but the first to report symptoms of respiratory illness.

The worker reported having a cough and eye discomfort with watery discharge, and received an antiviral treatment, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. The person is isolating at home and symptoms are resolving, the agency said. Those living in the worker’s home have not developed symptoms; no other workers at the farm have reported symptoms, and staff are being monitored.

Nirav Shah, the CDC’s principal deputy director, said the emergence of respiratory symptoms “is not atypical” of novel influenza viruses.

“What the presence of respiratory symptoms tells us is that the exposure risk is higher,” he said. “Simply put, someone who’s coughing may be more likely to transmit the virus than someone who has an eye infection.”"

Rachel Roubein reports for the Washington Post May 30, 2024. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Are Pet Dogs And Cats The Weak Link In Bird Flu Surveillance?" (Los Angeles Times) [3]