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8mo ago

Missouri Faces Possible Human-to-Human Bird Flu Transmission

Health officials are investigating after seven people developed symptoms following contact with an H5N1 patient.

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Bird flu samples are tested in a New York lab in 2022. In 2024, the bird flu has been spreading between poultry, cattle and now humans. But health officials still say human-to-human infection is unlikely.

Overview

  • Seven individuals, including six healthcare workers, developed respiratory symptoms after exposure to a confirmed H5N1 patient in Missouri.
  • Blood samples from five healthcare workers and one household contact are being tested for H5N1 antibodies to confirm potential infection.
  • The CDC has not yet released the results of these tests, which were delayed due to a hurricane affecting specimen shipment.
  • This marks the first potential human-to-human transmission of H5N1 in the United States, raising concerns among health authorities.
  • Missouri's initial H5N1 case had no known animal contact, differing from the 13 other U.S. cases linked to livestock exposure.