bird flu transmission/ H5N1 human infection/ raw milk and bird flu/ bird flu prevention tips/ CDC bird flu updates/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Bird flu primarily infects birds but can spread to humans through close contact with infected animals, especially on farms. The CDC emphasizes that risk remains low but advises precautions like wearing PPE, avoiding raw milk, and cooking eggs thoroughly to minimize exposure.
How Do People Catch Bird Flu? Quick Looks
- Main Transmission: Close contact with infected birds, dairy cattle, or contaminated environments.
- Rising Cases: 61 U.S. human cases in 2024, mostly mild.
- High-Risk Groups: Farm workers and backyard poultry owners.
- Animal Spillover: Virus mutating to infect mammals, including cows.
- Raw Milk Risks: Virus found in unpasteurized milk; pasteurization recommended.
- Symptoms: Red, irritated eyes (conjunctivitis) commonly reported.
- Safety Tips: Use PPE, avoid raw milk, and cook eggs and poultry thoroughly.
Bird Flu Transmission: Human Risks from Animals and Milk
Deep Look
The spread of bird flu, particularly the H5N1 strain, has raised concerns about human infections as cases rise among animals and a small number of people. While the CDC considers the risk to the general public low, the virus’s ability to jump from animals to humans highlights the importance of understanding how it spreads and ways to stay safe.
How Bird Flu Spreads to Humans
Bird flu, as its name suggests, primarily infects birds, targeting their respiratory systems. Humans can contract the virus through:
- Direct Contact: Handling sick or dead birds.
- Airborne Particles: Virus shed in bird saliva, mucus, or feces can become airborne during farm activities.
- Contaminated Milk: Infected dairy cattle can carry the virus in raw milk, potentially exposing farm workers through splashes or sprays.
The virus has yet to show sustained human-to-human transmission, and most cases are isolated incidents involving close contact with infected animals.
The Role of Mutations
H5N1 has been observed infecting an increasing variety of mammals, including dairy cattle, raising concerns about its adaptability. A recent study published in Science found that a single genetic mutation could enable the virus to better attach to human respiratory cells.
High-Risk Groups
Certain populations face a higher risk of exposure, particularly:
- Farm Workers: Those who handle poultry or dairy cattle.
- Backyard Poultry Owners: Individuals with close, prolonged contact with birds.
Raw Milk and Eggs
- Milk Risks: The virus can survive in raw milk for days under refrigeration but is destroyed by pasteurization.
- Egg Safety: Infected flocks are unlikely to produce eggs for commercial sale, but thorough cooking is recommended as a precaution.
Symptoms of Bird Flu
Human symptoms vary but often include:
- Red, Irritated Eyes (Conjunctivitis): Due to similar receptors in human eyes and bird respiratory systems.
- Respiratory Issues: Typical of other flu viruses.
The first severe U.S. case was recently reported in Louisiana, where a person contracted the virus after handling sick birds.
Prevention Tips
To reduce risk, the CDC recommends:
- Avoiding Contact: Stay away from sick or dead birds, and avoid contaminated environments.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Goggles
- Disposable gloves
- N95 face mask
- Coveralls
- Rubber boots
- Safe Food Practices: Stick to pasteurized dairy products and thoroughly cook poultry and eggs.
Key Takeaways
The current risk of bird flu to the public remains low, but the virus’s spread to mammals and potential mutations warrant caution. Adopting preventative measures, especially in high-risk settings, is essential to protect against infection.
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