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Missouri bird flu case sparks concerns of human transmission

September 17, 2024

CDC reported that a person living with a Missouri resident infected with bird flu also fell ill on the same day, raising concerns about potential human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 virus. (CDC, 2024)

Although CDC officials stated there's no evidence to support this transmission route, the timing of the illnesses, especially outside flu season, has alarmed experts. Both individuals had no known exposure to the virus through animals or raw milk, and the household contact was not tested, leaving uncertainty about their infection status. CDC acknowledged that the household contact’s illness should have been disclosed earlier, but emphasized that the public risk remains low. (Mandavilli & Anthes, 2024)

The initial patient, hospitalized on August 22, and the household contact developed symptoms on the same day, but the latter was not hospitalized, missing routine flu surveillance. Antibody testing is being considered to confirm exposure to H5N1. CDC could not obtain the full genetic sequence of the virus from the hospitalized patient due to low sample quality, leaving questions about the virus’s evolution.

The H5N1 outbreak has affected multiple states and individuals, primarily those in direct contact with infected animals.

Sources:

(2024, September 13). CDC. Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm

Mandavilli, A. and Anthes, E. (2024, September 13). The New York Times. Missouri Bird Flu Case Raises Prospect of Human Transmission. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/13/health/bird-flu-missouri.html