Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 22, 2024 5 hours, 10 minutes ago
Medical News: The First H5N1 Human Case in Iowa
Iowa state health officials have confirmed the state’s first human case of avian influenza A(H5). The affected individual, a commercial poultry worker from northwest Iowa, contracted the virus through exposure to infected poultry. This development marks another chapter in the ongoing efforts to monitor and manage the spread of avian influenza in the United States.
https://hhs.iowa.gov/news-release/2024-12-20/iowa-hhs-reports-first-human-case-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-iowa-risk-remains-very-low
Iowa Reports First Human Case of H5N1 Bird Flu
The individual reported mild symptoms, sought medical attention, and has since been treated and is recovering. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) emphasized that the public health risk remains low, as there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus in the country.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is the 65th reported case of avian influenza A(H5) in humans across the U.S. in 2024.
The other 64 cases include 36 cases in California, 11 cases in Washington, 10 cases in Colorado, 2cases in Michigan, 1 case in Louisiana, 1 case in Missouri, I case in Oregon and I case in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin had reported a human case of H5N1 on the 18
th of December.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/wisconsin-records-first-human-case-of-h5n1-bird-flu
There are other cases of human infections of H5N1 infections expected to be announced this week and many suspected cases across many states are currently undergoing laboratory testing.
How the Virus Spreads
Avian influenza A(H5), commonly referred to as bird flu, primarily spreads through prolonged exposure to infected birds or animals. The virus can enter the body via the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially when individuals are in close contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle. While rare, human infections do occur under specific conditions, making the case in Iowa a notable event in the state’s public health history.
The Iowa HHS and CDC have issued guidelines to minimize the risk of infection. They urge individuals working with poultry or livestock to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and avoid direct contact with sick or deceased animals. This
Medical News report also highlights the importance of hygiene and monitoring flu-like symptoms or eye infections in individuals exposed to potentially infected animals. Such precautions are essential for both personal safety and public health.
A Broader Context
Since the detection of avian influenza in Iowa’s poultry population in 2022,
state agencies have been closely monitoring its spread. Earlier this month, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship reported the 11th outbreak in poultry flocks this year, with affected areas including Sioux, Palo Alto, Sac, O’Brien, Monona, and Worth Counties. These incidents illustrate the virus's ongoing impact on Iowa’s agricultural sector, a vital part of the state’s economy.
Dr. Robert Kruse, State Medical Director of Iowa HHS, expressed confidence in the state’s preparedness to tackle the challenges posed by avian influenza. “Iowa has monitored the spread of avian influenza closely since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is prepared with the established knowledge, strong partnerships, and effective tools to mitigate its impact on our community,” he said.
Food Safety and Public Health
Despite the detection of avian influenza in poultry and humans, there is no cause for alarm regarding the safety of poultry products or dairy. The Iowa HHS has reassured the public that properly handled and cooked poultry and pasteurized dairy products remain safe for consumption. Cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F effectively inactivates the virus and other harmful pathogens. Similarly, pasteurization has consistently proven to eliminate bacteria and viruses in milk and dairy products.
National and International Perspectives
While the Iowa case is significant, it is part of a broader trend of avian influenza cases across the United States. Louisiana recently reported the country’s first severe human case linked to exposure to backyard birds. Pathologists from the College of American Pathologists have also raised concerns about the virus's ability to mutate and replicate in various hosts, which could potentially increase its transmissibility.
Globally, avian influenza continues to pose challenges to public health and agriculture. The virus’s adaptability has made it a persistent concern for scientists and health officials, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and research.
Conclusion
The detection of Iowa’s first human case of avian influenza A(H5) serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between human health and animal populations. While the risk to the general public remains low, the case underscores the importance of vigilance, proper safety measures, and timely medical interventions to prevent the spread of the virus. By adhering to guidelines from health authorities, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of infection.
For those in the agricultural sector, the use of PPE and routine health monitoring are crucial. Consumers, on the other hand, can ensure their safety by properly handling and cooking poultry products and choosing pasteurized dairy items.
As health officials continue to monitor and respond to the evolving situation, the public is encouraged to stay informed and proactive.
For the latest H5N1 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/california-declares-emergency-as-h5n1-becomes-an-impending-public-health-threat
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/louisiana-reports-first-possible-human-case-of-h5n1
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/h5n1-avian-flu
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