CDC press releases

Second Human Case of H5N1 Bird Flu in U.S. Linked to 66 Infected Dairy Herds

May 24, 2024, 05:40 PM

A human in Michigan has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), marking the second human case in the United States linked to an ongoing outbreak among dairy cows. The CDC has issued a transmission warning and is preparing for the possibility of increased risk to human health. The USDA has confirmed 66 infected dairy herds across nine states, with recent additions in South Dakota, Colorado, and Michigan. The virus has also been detected in tissue samples from a culled dairy cow, but officials assure that no infected meat has entered the food supply. Surveillance suggests the bird flu virus may be more widespread among dairy cows than reported, raising concerns about worker safety. Approximately 350 exposed farm workers are being monitored, and the CDC maintains that the current health risk to the public is low but calls for a comprehensive One Health response to prepare for any developments. Additionally, dairy farm workers in Texas and Michigan have developed eye infections, and the USDA has announced five more poultry outbreaks in Minnesota.