A person in Texas is being treated for bird flu, marking the second human case of an illness caused by a highly virulent virus that has recently affected dairy cows in multiple states. The patient, who only experienced eye inflammation as a symptom, was confirmed to have bird flu after testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are currently receiving treatment with antiviral medication.
The case has raised concerns among disease trackers about the potential for human-to-human transmission of the virus, which has occurred infrequently in the past. While federal officials maintain that the overall risk to the public remains low, individuals with direct exposure to infected animals are at greater risk of infection.
In a similar case in Colorado in 2022, a person tested positive for the same strain of avian flu after exposure to poultry. The individual reported fatigue as their only symptom and eventually recovered.
Experts are closely monitoring the situation, particularly as the virus has spread among dairy herds in multiple states, indicating possible cow-to-cow transmission. There is concern that the virus could evolve to become more easily transmissible among mammals, including humans.
Health officials in Texas are providing guidance to affected dairies on minimizing exposure and monitoring for symptoms. They have issued a health alert to healthcare providers in the area to be vigilant for potential cases and are offering testing and treatment recommendations.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
