The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not been able to identify the source of a bird flu infection in a Missouri patient who had no known contact with poultry or dairy cows. The patient was hospitalized with symptoms like chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness, which were not initially linked to influenza. However, a flu test later confirmed the infection, and the patient has since recovered after receiving antiviral treatment.
There have been 13 bird flu infections in poultry and dairy workers since March, amid an outbreak of H5N1 spreading rapidly in dairy cows across multiple states. The patient’s underlying medical conditions led to hospitalization, although specific conditions were not disclosed to protect privacy. The CDC and Missouri state health officials are conducting detailed investigations to determine the source of the infection, including examining the patient’s interactions with animals and consumption of meat and dairy products.
Despite the case, there is no evidence of the virus spreading from person to person or an increased risk to the general population. Officials are closely monitoring the situation, including looking for any changes in the virus that may indicate an increased potential for human-to-human transmission. While no additional cases have been identified, the investigation is ongoing to understand the unique circumstances of this isolated infection.
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