Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 22 Sep 2024
CDC Says A Second Health Care Worker Tied To Missouri Bird Flu Case Had Symptoms
The Missouri bird flu patient did not have any known contact with dairy cows and was hospitalized last month
Another health care worker who was in contact with the Missouri patient who tested positive for H5N1 Bird Flu also developed respiratory symptoms – but was not tested – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
According to news reports, the Missouri bird flu patient did not have any known contact with dairy cows and was hospitalized last month when tested positive for the virus. Doctors say the person suffered severe underlying conditions but since has recovered.
Last week, the CDC reported that a healthcare worker who looked after the patient developed mild respiratory symptoms and tested negative for influenza. Additionally, another person who lived with the Missouri patient also reported being sick around the same time with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Initially, Dr. Nirav Shah, the CDC’s principal deputy director, had stated on a call with reporters last week that none of the patient’s close contacts showed signs or symptoms of illness, calling the situation a possible “one-off.” Since then, the three contacts have been identified.
However, it is still not clear if they were sick with the bird flu virus.
Blood samples of all suspected patients collected
The CDC has collected blood samples from the Missouri patient and household contact. The agency would be conducting serological testing to confirm a previous H5N1 infection.
According to authorities, since the first bird flu was detected in March this year, 213 herds of dairy cattle have tested positive in 14 states. However, none of the herds have been reported in Missouri.
While there is still no clarity on how the Missouri patient caught H5N1, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says both the patient and household contact did not have any exposure to sick cows, birds, or other animals, and no exposure to raw milk as well.
What are the signs and symptoms of bird flu?
Also known as avian influenza, bird flu usually spreads in birds but can sometimes spread to humans as well. Other than severe respiratory symptoms, a few other signs of the infection, include:
- High fever
- Fatigue
- Cough and cold
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Conjunctivitis or pink eye
- Breathlessness
- Pneumonia
- Acute respiratory distress
- Bacterial infections
- Sepsis
- Brain swelling
- Respiratory illness
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.