Texas: CDC warns about transmission of H5N1 bird flu from cow to human

Bird Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a health alert following the first documented case of transmission of H5N1 bird flu from a cow to a human in Texas. This event marks a milestone in the spread of this highly pathogenic virus, which has already affected several species around the world and poses potential pandemic risks.

The case discovered in a Texas farm worker reveals a new transmission route for H5N1, which until now had been mainly associated with birds.

The individual contracted the virus during an outbreak in dairy cattle, which has raised concerns about the virus's ability to adapt and spread between different species.

This incident is the second human case of H5N1 recorded in the United States after a poultry worker tested positive in Colorado in 2022. Although the strain of the virus identified in the Texas worker does not transmit easily between humans, its emergence raises significant concerns about the virus's ability to mutate and potentially trigger a pandemic.

Avian influenza, caused by different strains of the influenza A virus, is divided into two types: highly pathogenic and low pathogenic, depending on the level of illness it causes in birds. H5N1, first identified in Hong Kong in 1997, is a highly pathogenic strain that has caused periodic outbreaks in both birds and humans.

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Since its emergence, H5N1 has been a cause of concern due to its high mortality rate and ability to cause serious illness and complications in humans. Globally, 14 cases of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b variant have been reported in humans, with a total of 889 human cases of H5N1 since 2003.

Bird flu symptoms

Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu range from severe respiratory illness to neurological and organic complications. The Texas farm worker affected by the virus presented conjunctivitis, a rare symptom but indicative of the diversity of manifestations of the disease in humans.

The spread of the virus between humans remains a latent risk, especially in environments where humans and animals are in close contact, such as farms and markets. The emergence of H5N1 avian flu in dairy cattle highlights the importance of biosecurity measures and continuous monitoring to prevent the spread of the virus.

In addition to birds, H5N1 bird flu has begun to affect a variety of mammals, including sea lions, goats, red foxes, and domestic pets, raising new concerns about the diversification of affected species and the possibility of new routes of transmission. transmission.

To reduce the risk of a pandemic, the importance of early surveillance of outbreaks in animals and humans, as well as the development of effective vaccines, is emphasized. Although there is currently no spread of H5N1 among humans in the United States, the persistence of the virus in diverse species increases the need for a rapid and coordinated response to prevent a public health crisis on a global scale.

In the meantime, CDC urges the public to follow proper food hygiene practices and avoid close contact with sick poultry or infected livestock to reduce the risk of infection. International collaboration and continued surveillance are essential to contain the spread of H5N1 avian influenza and mitigate its impact on public health and food security.