Health officials in Colorado have confirmed that a farmworker in the state has become the fourth person in the United States to be infected with bird flu. According to a statement from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the male worker had direct contact with infected dairy cows on a farm in northeast Colorado and subsequently developed bird flu. The man experienced mild symptoms and reported to health officials that he had pink eye. Following guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the man received antiviral treatment and made a full recovery.
Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist with CDPHE, emphasized that while the risk of bird flu to the general public remains low, individuals who have regular exposure to infected animals may face a higher risk of infection. She explained that avian flu viruses are currently circulating among animals but are not yet adapted to transmit from person to person. Therefore, people who work closely with infected animals should take precautions to prevent infection.
This recent case in Colorado adds to a small number of human infections related to cows in the United States. Earlier this year, cases were reported in dairy workers in Texas and Michigan who also had contact with infected animals. Two of these individuals developed pink eye, while the other experienced mild respiratory symptoms.
In 2022, the first human case of bird flu in the U.S. was identified in a Colorado farmworker who had been exposed to infected poultry. The continued occurrence of such cases underscores the importance of vigilance and preventive measures when working with animals that may carry infectious diseases.
Experts advise that maintaining good hygiene practices, wearing appropriate protective gear, and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms develop are crucial steps to reduce the risk of contracting bird flu. By staying informed and following recommended guidelines, individuals can help prevent the spread of avian influenza and protect both human and animal health.