US officials on Thursday reported the country’s third human case of bird flu linked to the current outbreak of the virus in dairy cattle. The Michigan farm worker is the second person sickened by the disease in the Midwestern state, following a first case in Texas in April.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a statement all three cases were spread from cows to humans, as opposed to human-to-human, which would be more concerning.
The person’s symptoms included cough without fever, eye discomfort and watery eye discharge. They were treated with the antiviral medicine oseltamivir and isolated at home, with their symptoms resolving.
The worker was not wearing personal protective equipment, which health authorities have recommended for those in close contact with dairy herds, said Michigan’s health department.
What Is Bird Flu?
Bird flu, or as scientists call it, avian influenza, is primarily a bird-afflicting viral infection. But under the right conditions, certain virus strains can make the jump to humans and other animals. The strain of concern that usually affects humans is H5N1, notorious for causing serious respiratory problems, and in some unfortunate instances, even death.
How Does Bird Flu Transmits?
Typically, contact with infected birds or their droppings can spread bird flu. However, human-to-human transmission, although rare, does happen, mainly in situations where close contact is unavoidable. Remember, the risk of passing the virus from one person to another isn’t high but certainly not impossible.
Bird Flu Symptoms
Human symptoms for bird flu run the gamut from mild to extreme, and may include fever, persistent cough, aches, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. If left unchecked, the infection could quickly turn into pneumonia, leading to respiratory failure. The key to combating this is to seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
Diagnosing and Battling The Disease
A definite bird flu diagnosis requires laboratory tests involving respiratory samples for virus detection. Upon confirmation, antiviral medications are usually prescribed to alleviate symptoms and to curb infection severity. If the condition is severe, hospitalization and supportive care are needed.
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