Highly pathogenic bird flu detected in a human for first time in Iowa

https://www.alternet.org/bird-flu-iowa/

Highly pathogenic bird flu detected in a human for first time in Iowa

Cami Koons, Iowa Capital DispatchDecember 21, 2024

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced Friday the state’s first human case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza.

According to a press release from the department, the individual is a commercial poultry worker who was exposed by a flock in northwest Iowa.

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Earlier on Friday, pathologists from the College of American Pathologists discussed ongoing work to monitor the H5N1 avian influenza as it continues to replicate and mutate in various hosts. They noted the actual number of human cases is likely higher than what has been detected by CDC.

“Iowa has monitored the spread of avian influenza closely since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is prepared with the established knowledge, strong partnerships, and effective tools to mitigate its impact on our community,” State Medical Director Robert Kruse said in the HHS press release.

… more … take precautions around cows and birds…