A case of human infection with the H5N1 bird flu virus has been reported in Missouri, raising concerns among health officials. This is the first known case of H5N1 infection in a person in the United States who has not had direct contact with infected animals.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced the case on Friday, stating that the individual is currently hospitalized and receiving antiviral treatment. The DHSS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the case and identify the source of the infection.
The H5N1 bird flu virus is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe respiratory illness in birds. It has also been known to infect humans, but most cases have occurred in people who have had direct contact with infected birds or their bodily fluids. This case in Missouri is the first known instance of human infection with H5N1 in the United States without a known animal contact.
The CDC is investigating the case to determine how the individual became infected. The agency is also working with state and local health officials to identify any potential contacts of the individual who may have been exposed to the virus.
The CDC emphasizes that the risk to the general public from bird flu remains low. However, people should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report any unusual bird deaths to their local wildlife agency.
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