CDC Confirms Human Case of Bird Flu in Missouri, Reports Reuters

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Friday the confirmation of a human case of avian influenza A reported in Missouri. This case was identified through the state’s seasonal flu surveillance system.

According to the CDC, the case was confirmed on Thursday, and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is currently investigating the potential exposure. The affected individual was hospitalized due to underlying medical conditions and received antiviral treatment for influenza. Fortunately, the patient has since been discharged and is in recovery.

There is currently no known exposure to animals, and no ongoing transmission has been detected among close contacts. This marks the 14th human case of H5 reported in the United States in 2024, and notably, it is the first case linked to H5 without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals.

While other novel influenza cases have been identified through the national surveillance system, this is the first reported case of H5 detected by that system. H5 bird flu is prevalent among wild birds globally and has been causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cattle, alongside several recent cases involving dairy and poultry workers.

In 2024, there have been reports of H5 outbreaks in both commercial and backyard poultry flocks, although Missouri has not reported any outbreaks in cattle. The last confirmed case of bird flu in a commercial poultry flock in Missouri was documented in February, as noted by the USDA.

H5N1 bird flu has previously been detected in wild birds within the state. Notably, fourteen states across the U.S. have reported outbreaks of the H5N1 virus in dairy cattle. The transmission of the virus from birds to cows has raised concerns about its potential adaptation for human transmission.

According to the CDC, the current risk posed to the general public by H5N1 remains low based on existing data.