Texas Reports Human Infection Of New Bird Flu Strain!

It was bound to happen. The newest strain of Avian Flu that had infected cattle in Texas has moved over to us humans in Texas. 

The second human case in the United States was discovered in Texas, and the person had been working with cattle in the Panhandle. Wow, it's bad enough they endured the wildfires; now, this?

The Texas Department of Health reported the illness to the CDC, and they confirmed it. The last case of Avian Flu infecting a human was found in Colorado in 2022. So, at least, it's been rare, considering how many cattle have been infected in Texas.

According to the CDC notice, "This person had exposure to dairy cattle in Texas presumed to be infected with HPAI A(H5N1) viruses. The patient reported eye redness (consistent with conjunctivitis) as their only symptom and is recovering. The patient was told to isolate and is being treated with an antibiotic for Flu. This infection does not change the H5N1 bird flu human health risk assessment for the U.S. general public, which the CDC considers low. However, people with close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals (including livestock) or environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals are at greater risk of infection."

H5 bird flu is widespread among wild birds in the U.S. and globally. These viruses have also caused outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry flocks and sporadic infections in mammals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) first reported HPAI in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas on March 25, 2024.

The symptoms are:

• Cough.
• Headache.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Sore throat.
• Fever or Chills.
• Fatigue.
• Congestion or runny nose.
• Muscle or body aches.

The CDC is asking Optical professionals to be aware of one of the first symptoms, Redness of the Eyes and itchiness.  

There isn't a high risk of contracting it now, but the threat exists. The CDC recommends seeing a health professional if you have been exposed to infected Poultry or Livestock.