Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 19, 2024 3 hours, 9 minutes ago
Medical-News: A Rare but Alarming Development
Wisconsin has reported its first-ever human case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed that a resident of Barron County, in the northwestern part of the state, has tested presumptively positive for the H5N1 virus. This marks a concerning moment for both state and national health authorities as they monitor the virus's spread. Barron County is located north of Eau Claire and Menomonie, about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Minneapolis.
Wisconsin Records First Human Case of H5N1 Bird Flu
The affected individual, a young adult who worked on a commercial turkey farm, was exposed to an infected flock. She experienced mild symptoms such as a sore throat, low-grade fever, fatigue, and some eye discharge. Health officials administered antiviral medication, and she is expected to make a full recovery. This
Medical News report delves into the unfolding situation, shedding light on public health concerns and measures being undertaken to manage the crisis.
Understanding the Case and Risk Factors
The human case in Wisconsin arose after the virus was detected in a commercial poultry flock in Barron County.
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/121824.htm
State health officials have been proactive in monitoring farm workers who may have been exposed and educating them on precautionary measures to safeguard their health. As of now, 19 people who were in close contact with the infected flock are being closely monitored for any signs of illness. Two individuals have undergone testing so far.
Officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low. Dr. Tom Haupt, an epidemiologist with the Wisconsin DHS, stated that influenza symptoms in such cases typically remain mild, provided they are treated promptly. He also confirmed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reviewing the case for final confirmation.
This development coincided with another significant event - the U.S. CDC announced the first severe human case of H5N1 in the United States, reported in Louisiana. The Louisiana patient had been exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard poultry flocks. Health officials are investigating these cases to determine whether the virus’s spread has changed patterns, potentially increasing the risk of human-to-human transmission.
Wider Implications of the Outbreak
Bird flu continues to wreak havoc across the country, particularly in the agricultural sector. On the same day Wisconsin’s human case was reported, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to rising bird flu cases among dairy herds.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/california-declares-emergency-as-h5n1-becomes-an-impend
ing-public-health-threat
While Wisconsin has yet to report cases in cows, states like California, Michigan, and others have seen widespread infections in both poultry and livestock.
Dr. Angie Maxted, a public health veterinarian with the DHS, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the virus’s increased transmission to humans this year. She noted that while human-to-human transmission has not been confirmed, close monitoring remains critical. “We’ve always tested individuals exposed to ill poultry in past outbreaks. However, the situation this year warrants heightened vigilance due to the widespread nature of the virus,” Maxted said.
Bird Flu in Wisconsin’s Poultry Industry
Wisconsin has been significantly affected by the avian flu outbreak in recent years. Since early 2022, the virus has led to the destruction of millions of birds nationwide to prevent its spread. In Wisconsin alone, more than 3.6 million birds from 36 poultry flocks across 20 counties have been affected. This includes a recent case in Kenosha County, where the virus was detected in a backyard flock of 88 chickens and five ducks.
State Veterinarian Dr. Darlene Konkle noted that infected birds are euthanized to prevent further spread and are not allowed to enter the food supply. Health officials strongly advise poultry producers and farm workers to practice rigorous biosecurity measures, such as wearing protective gear and limiting access to their farms.
What’s Next?
The U.S. CDC and Wisconsin DHS continue to investigate the virus’s genetic characteristics in the state. While the genotype found in Barron County is presumed to be the same as that circulating among wild waterfowl, further testing will provide clarity. Officials have established a control zone extending 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles) around affected farms to contain the outbreak.
In the meantime, Wisconsin’s State Lab of Hygiene is offering free testing for individuals who exhibit bird flu symptoms after exposure to infected birds. These efforts are part of a larger initiative to prevent the virus from gaining a stronger foothold in human populations.
Conclusion
The identification of Wisconsin’s first human case of bird flu underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in addressing emerging zoonotic diseases. While the risk to the general public remains low, health officials are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to contain the virus and protect both humans and animals. Public health measures, including testing, education, and biosecurity practices, are crucial to mitigating further risks. The collaboration between state and federal agencies will be key to understanding and curbing this outbreak.
For the latest H5N1 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/h5n1-bird-flu-adaptation-in-cats-in-south-dakota-as-a-lethal-neurotrophic-virus-raises-alarms
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/reassorted-strain-of-h5n1-bird-flu-virus-discovered-in-cambodia
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/h5n1-avian-flu
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