A dairy worker in Texas has tested positive for the bird flu virus, sparking concerns among public health officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the virus has not shown increased contagion among cows or humans.
The virus strain, H5N1, has been circulating in birds since late 2021 and has resulted in the culling of millions of birds in the US. The first human case in the US was reported in 2022, and the recent case in Texas marks the second.
Symptoms of bird flu can vary from mild to severe, with the Texas patient only experiencing pinkeye. There is a fear that the virus could mutate to spread more easily between mammals, including humans.
Genetic sequencing of samples from infected cows and the patient revealed that the virus is closely related to birds and not optimized for sustained transmission among mammals. It remains uncertain how cows are infected with and shed the virus.
Despite these concerns, the CDC assures the public that pasteurized milk is safe to drink as the process effectively kills the virus. Milk from infected cows is discarded before entering the supply chain to prevent any contamination.
Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation in Texas and urging individuals to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with sick animals. The CDC continues to investigate the source of the infection and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the bird flu virus.
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