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Human Infection

All articles tagged with #human infection

health1 year ago

Louisiana Confirms First Human Bird Flu Case, Patient Hospitalized

A person in Louisiana has been hospitalized with a presumptive positive case of H5N1 bird flu after contact with sick birds, marking the first human case in the state. While the risk to the public is considered low, health officials advise avoiding sick or dead birds. This case is notable as most human infections in the US have been mild and among poultry or dairy workers. The virus has been spreading among birds and mammals in the US since 2022, with significant outbreaks in dairy herds.

health1 year ago

H5N1 Bird Flu: One Mutation from Human Transmission

A study by Scripps Research reveals that a single mutation in the H5N1 bird flu virus could increase its ability to infect humans by altering its receptor binding preference. This mutation, found in viruses from cows in the U.S., raises concerns about the virus's zoonotic potential, especially after a similar mutation was observed in a Canadian teenager who contracted H5N1. While additional mutations are likely needed for efficient human transmission, the findings highlight the importance of monitoring and controlling the virus to prevent a potential pandemic.

health1 year ago

Rising Bird Flu Threat Sparks Urgent Warnings Ahead of Holidays

Scientists are increasingly concerned about a new strain of bird flu that has spread to dairy cattle in the U.S., infecting over 600 herds across multiple states. The virus, primarily transmitted through milk, poses a significant challenge to control, with more than 50 known human infections reported. Experts warn of the potential for the virus to evolve and become more transmissible to humans, especially if it combines with seasonal flu, raising fears of a new pandemic. Enhanced testing and monitoring are crucial to understanding and managing the outbreak.

health1 year ago

First Human Bird Flu Case Confirmed in Oregon Amid Rising Concerns

Six new human cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported, with five in California and the first in Oregon, all linked to animal-to-human transmission. The cases, primarily among dairy and poultry workers, are mild, and there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Health officials emphasize the sporadic nature of these infections, and the risk to the public remains low. Wastewater monitoring in California shows widespread evidence of the virus, though the exact sources are unclear.

health1 year ago

Bird Flu Cases Surge Among US Poultry Workers Amid Heat Wave

Five workers in Colorado have been infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which is suspected to have spread from dairy cows to chickens and then to humans. The infections occurred during the culling of infected chickens, with high temperatures making it difficult for workers to use protective gear. The CDC and USDA are investigating the outbreak, which has significantly increased the number of human cases linked to the virus. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, but the virus has been found in milk from infected cows.

health1 year ago

Rising Bird Flu Cases in Dairy Herds Spark Health Concerns

Bird flu, particularly the H5N1 strain, has been spreading globally, affecting millions of birds and a small number of humans. The virus has been reported in various countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Australia, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Germany, with some human cases resulting from direct contact with infected birds. Different versions of the virus, such as H5N2, H7N3, H7N8, H7N9, H9N2, and H10N3, have also been identified in both animals and humans.

health1 year ago

Rising H5N1 Infections in Dairy Cows Spark Pandemic Fears and Health Warnings

The H5N1 bird flu outbreak continues to spread among dairy cows and has now affected 13 states, with new human cases reported among farmworkers in Colorado. The CDC is investigating, and experts express growing pessimism about containing the virus. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health warns of a high risk of persistent infection chains, and the World Health Organization emphasizes the need for extensive resources and cooperation to control the outbreak.

health1 year ago

First Human Death from H5N2 Bird Flu Reported in Mexico

The World Health Organization reported the first human case of H5N2 bird flu in a 59-year-old man in Mexico who died in April. The man had no known exposure to poultry or other animals, raising concerns about potential human-to-human transmission. Experts note that H5 viruses rarely infect humans and that the H5N2 strain is considered low pathogenic. Further genetic analysis is needed to determine the risk to humans, but the focus remains on the more concerning H5N1 strain.

health1 year ago

First Human Death from New Bird Flu Strain Confirmed in Mexico

A 59-year-old man in Mexico has died from the H5N2 bird flu virus, marking the first confirmed human case and death from this strain. Despite the fatality, the World Health Organization states that the risk to the general public remains low. The man had underlying health conditions and no known exposure to poultry. Health officials are monitoring contacts but have found no further cases.

health1 year ago

Bird Flu Outbreak Claims Dairy Cows in 5 States

The H5N1 bird flu outbreak, which began in 2020, has spread to dairy cows in multiple U.S. states and marine mammals globally, raising concerns about potential human transmission. Dozens of cows have died or been slaughtered, and human cases have been reported, though they remain rare. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation due to the virus's potential to mutate and spread among humans.

health1 year ago

First Human Death from H5N2 Bird Flu Confirmed in Mexico

A 59-year-old man in Mexico has died from H5N2 bird flu, the first recorded human case of this strain. Authorities state there is no risk to the public, and none of the man's close contacts have contracted the virus. The man had underlying health issues and had been bedridden before showing symptoms. Experts believe this is an isolated case likely resulting from animal-to-human transmission. Surveillance is ongoing to monitor any potential further human infections.

health1 year ago

First Human Death from H5N2 Bird Flu Reported in Mexico

The World Health Organization has reported the first human case of H5N2 bird flu in Mexico, resulting in the death of a 59-year-old with underlying health conditions. The source of the infection is unknown, but H5N2 has been found in Mexican poultry. The risk to the general public is considered low, as there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. No further cases have been identified among those in contact with the patient.

health1 year ago

New Bird Flu Strain in Humans Shows Respiratory and Eye Symptoms

Three U.S. dairy farm workers have tested positive for bird flu, raising concerns about its spread. However, the CDC states the risk to the general public is low. Human infections occur through close contact with infected animals or contaminated materials. Symptoms include pink eye and mild respiratory issues. Proper protective equipment and avoiding raw milk are key preventive measures. Experts emphasize that the virus has not mutated to spread between humans, and the risk of a pandemic remains low.