A Michigan dairy worker has been diagnosed with bird flu, marking the second human case in the US linked to an outbreak in dairy cows. The first case occurred in Texas earlier this spring. The worker had contact with infected cows but has since recovered with mild eye symptoms. The risk to the public is considered low.
Despite a negative nasal swab, an eye swab tested positive for the virus, indicating an eye infection. The CDC warns of potential additional cases due to high virus levels in raw milk from infected cows. The USDA believes unpasteurized milk is the primary mode of transmission among cattle. To curb spread, dairy cows must now test negative before crossing state lines.
Since 2020, bird flu has spread among various animal species globally, including US livestock. However, human-to-human transmission has not been observed. The virus has been confirmed in 51 dairy herds across nine states, with 15 in Michigan. Pasteurized products are deemed safe for consumption.
The latest case is the third instance of the type A H5N1 virus in the US. In 2022, a person in Colorado contracted the virus while working at a poultry farm. This latest development raises concerns about food safety and the potential for further human cases.
The Associated Press contributed reporting
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