An older adult from Platte County, Wyoming, has been confirmed as the state’s first human case of H5N1 avian influenza, marking the third hospitalization due to this virus in the U.S. The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) announced this development on February 14th.
Dr. Alexia Harrist, Wyoming’s state health officer and state epidemiologist, downplayed widespread concern, stating that although this is a significant event, the general risk to Wyoming residents remains low. The patient, who is currently hospitalized out-of-state, likely contracted the virus from direct contact with an infected poultry flock at her residence.
H5N1 has been circulating among Wyoming’s wild birds since 2022, with prior instances of infection in poultry and dairy cattle. According to Harrist, most human infections have been linked to occupational exposure with mild symptoms, but this case has been more severe.
There has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission of H5N1 in the U.S. to date. WDH staff are actively following up with individuals who had contact with both the patient and the infected flock to monitor the situation closely.
Dr. Harrist also provided guidance for public health precautions:
- Ensure all animal products are cooked thoroughly to avoid consuming undercooked or raw foods.
- Avoid direct interaction with wild birds and steer clear of any birds, wild or domestic, showing signs of illness or death. Report any such observations to the appropriate authorities.
- Use personal protective equipment when handling sick or dead birds if necessary.
- Avoid close contact with potentially infected cattle or materials.
- Refrain from consuming raw milk or products derived from it.
For reporting sick or dead wild birds, contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or use their online reporting tool.
The confirmation of this case came from a CDC laboratory, and more information on bird flu, including specific guidelines for poultry owners, can be found at the CDC’s dedicated webpage.
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