Colorado health officials have reported the first cases of bird flu in poultry workers since May 2022, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), five workers contracted mild cases of bird flu while culling infected chickens on an egg farm in northeast Colorado. This incident underscores the potential for exposure among those working directly with infected animals, although the risk to the general public remains low.
Outbreak Details and Response
Earlier this month, the CDC revealed that at least 1,390 people have been monitored since March due to exposure to infected cattle, with 62 individuals developing flu-like symptoms and being tested for bird flu. The recent cases in Colorado bring the total to five poultry workers who have contracted the disease while culling chickens infected with the avian flu virus. These individuals are the first poultry workers to be diagnosed with bird flu since May 2022. Additionally, four dairy farmworkers have been diagnosed with the disease since April, including one in Colorado.
The affected workers exhibited mild symptoms such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), common respiratory infection symptoms, fever, chills, coughing, and sore throat/runny nose. Fortunately, none required hospitalization. The state Department of Public Health and Environment has been closely monitoring the situation, ensuring ongoing assessments and additional specimen testing.
A nine-member, bilingual CDC field team, comprising epidemiologists, veterinarians, clinicians, and an industrial hygienist, has been deployed to Colorado to assist in the investigation. This team is conducting ongoing monitoring of workers and performing additional tests as part of the assessment.
Previous Cases and Current Status
The first person in the United States to be infected by the H5N1 avian flu virus was a Colorado correctional inmate in May 2022. As part of a pre-release program, this individual had culled infected poultry at an egg farm in western Colorado. Since then, four other cases have been confirmed among dairy farmworkers, with two in Michigan and one each in Texas and Colorado.
Despite these cases, the CDC emphasizes that the risk to the general public remains low. There have been no other increases in flu activity in Colorado or other states with bird flu outbreaks. “These cases again underscore the risk of exposure to infected animals,” stated the CDC.
Ongoing Monitoring and Precautions
The situation in Colorado highlights the need for continued vigilance and monitoring of workers exposed to infected poultry. The deployment of the CDC field team and the close collaboration with state health officials aim to ensure a thorough investigation and containment of the virus. Public health officials are urging those working with poultry or other potentially infected animals to follow safety protocols and report any flu-like symptoms immediately.
As the situation develops, health authorities will continue to provide updates and take necessary measures to protect both workers and the general public from the spread of bird flu.
Conclusion
The recent cases of bird flu in Colorado poultry workers serve as a reminder of the ongoing risks associated with avian influenza. While the general public’s risk remains low, those working directly with infected animals must remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent further infections. The collaboration between the CDC and state health officials is crucial in managing this outbreak and safeguarding public health.
