Missouri Patient Marks First Bird Flu Case Without Animal Contact, CDC Confirms
US health officials have confirmed the first human case of bird flu this year with no known exposure to infected animals, marking a new development in the ongoing outbreak. The patient, from Missouri, was hospitalized but has since recovered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
14th Bird Flu Case in 2024, First Without Animal Contact
This case is the 14th human bird flu infection in the US in 2024, and the first where the patient had no direct contact with poultry or cattle. Previous cases were linked to exposure to infected livestock, but the CDC confirmed that the Missouri patient had no occupational exposure to sick animals.
Bird Flu Cases on the Rise in the US
Though rare, it can infect humans, and the Missouri case was discovered during routine flu season monitoring. The CDC reassured the public that the overall risk to people remains low. This year, outbreaks have affected cattle in 14 states, with previous human cases traced back to contact with infected animals.
Global Spread, But Low Human Risk
Originally detected in China in the 1990s, it has since spread globally, infecting various species including sea lions and bears. Health officials are keeping a close watch on the disease, though the current threat to humans is still considered minimal.
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