New Bird Flu Variant Detected in U.S.: What You Need to Know, US

LOS ANGELES – Another farm worker has tested positive for avian flu in Michigan, making it the second case in the state and the third in the United States this year. Concerns over the potential for the virus to become more contagious have experts assessing the risk of infection. The latest patient displayed symptoms such as a cough, stuffy nose, and sore throat, different from the eye infections in the previous cases. Fortunately, dairy workers who came into direct contact with infected cows received antiviral drugs and have since recovered. Health officials emphasize that the new H5N1 variant does not seem to spread from person to person, with no reported human-to-human transmissions at this time. While the USDA commits to an $800 million program for testing, surveillance, and vaccine development, the general public’s risk remains low. Recommendations include frontline dairy workers wearing protective gear, obtaining regular flu vaccinations, and avoiding raw milk. Health authorities caution against consuming unpasteurized products until the infection is controlled, although commercial milk supplies remain safe. The CDC is bolstering the national stockpile with 5 million doses of avian flu vaccine in preparedness efforts. The key to prevention lies in following CDC avian flu activity warnings and taking necessary precautions, such as vaccination and avoidance of raw milk products when visiting farms or ranches.