Publicidad
Human cases of bird flu have been confirmed to be occurring undetected in the United States, sparking concerns among researchers and healthcare professionals. The highly pathogenic avian flu has been found in the blood samples of 115 dairy workers in Michigan and Colorado, indicating a potential risk to public health.
Researchers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered antibodies from the virulent H5N1 strain in the blood of 7% of individuals who were tested between June and August 2024. This raises alarm about the unchecked spread of the virus and the potential for more lethal variants to emerge.
While the majority of individuals with avian flu antibodies did not report significant symptoms, there have been cases in Cambodia where the disease has proven fatal. A hybrid strain of avian flu has caused the deaths of at least three patients, with mutations that facilitate airborne transmission and infection of mammals.
The Cambodian outbreak, thankfully, has been contained without evidence of human-to-human transmission. However, Canada recently reported its first human case of bird flu, with the patient hospitalized in critical condition. The virus strain identified in the Canadian case is linked to the US dairy cattle outbreak, displaying genetic mutations that enhance its infectivity in humans.
These incidents underscore the importance of vigilant outbreak management and close monitoring to prevent further spread of the virus. Currently, there is only one confirmed case of avian flu with unknown animal origin, raising concerns about potential human-to-human transmission.
It has been observed that the dairy workers who tested positive for avian flu antibodies were involved in milking cows and maintaining the milking parlor. Symptoms reported by the infected individuals included fever, sore throat, congestion, diarrhea, and headaches, along with eye irritation.
The CDC has highlighted the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) usage among workers dealing with infected animals, emphasizing the need for enhanced outreach on infection prevention measures. The highly virulent avian flu has affected over 400 dairy herds in the US, in addition to poultry outbreaks, necessitating ongoing surveillance and management efforts.
Authorities worldwide are urging people to report sick or dead birds and practice good hygiene when interacting with animals. Recognizing symptoms of infection in animals, such as drowsiness, lack of coordination, and abnormal behavior, is crucial for early detection and containment of the virus.
In the US, over 90 million domestic birds have been culled since 2022 to control the spread of avian flu. Vaccination programs are underway to protect endangered species like the California condor from the disease. Efforts to develop a human vaccine are also in progress to combat the potential threat posed by avian flu to public health.
In conclusion, the emergence of undetected human cases of bird flu in the United States highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in managing outbreaks. Enhanced outreach, infection prevention measures, and surveillance efforts are essential to prevent the further spread of the virus and protect public health.
