U.S. Reports Dairy Farm Worker Infected with New Strain of Bird Flu

Los Angeles, (Xinhua) – On Monday (Feb. 10), the Central Nevada Regional Health Authority in the United States confirmed that a dairy farm worker has tested positive for a new strain of bird flu. This case marks the first confirmed human infection of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in the state of Nevada.

The worker contracted the virus after coming into contact with infected dairy cows while working at a farm in Churchill County. He developed conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," as a symptom but has not reported any additional symptoms. He is currently recovering.

The discovery of this infection follows the detection of avian influenza virus subtype D1.1 (D1.1) in multiple dairy cows in Nevada. Previously, this virus subtype had only been found in wild birds and poultry.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the risk of H5N1 avian flu to the general public remains low, and there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

As of 2024, a total of 68 confirmed cases of H5N1 avian flu have been reported in the U.S., with one fatality recorded.

Source
Xinhuathai News