CDC Expands Bird Flu Testing Amid New Human Cases; California Reports 236 Infected Herds, 7% Infection Rate

Nov 7, 2024, 06:19 PM

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its testing recommendations for avian influenza (H5N1) to include asymptomatic farm workers exposed to infected animals. This decision follows the discovery of eight new human cases of H5N1 in dairy farm workers in Michigan and Colorado, identified through serologic testing. The total number of known human cases in the U.S. for 2024 has reached 60, with the CDC officially reporting 46 cases. Additionally, California has reported three new human cases, bringing its total to 21. The USDA has confirmed 236 H5N1-infected dairy herds in California, contributing to a national total of 446 infected herds across 15 states. The CDC also noted a 7% infection rate among farm workers exposed to infected cows. The agency now recommends testing and prophylactic Tamiflu use for all exposed workers.