A woman in southeastern Wyoming has been hospitalized with bird flu, marking the state’s first confirmed human case of the H5N1 influenza, health officials said on Friday.
The woman, who lives in Platte County, had a backyard flock of chickens that became ill and died. Authorities believe she had direct contact with the sick birds. The woman, who has underlying health conditions, is now receiving treatment in another state.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 70 people across the U.S. have been infected with bird flu over the past year. However, experts suggest that the actual number may be higher, as some cases might not be reported.
Dr. Alexia Harrist, Wyoming’s state health officer and epidemiologist, reassured the public, saying that there is no need for “high concern” regarding the case. Most human bird flu cases in the U.S. have had mild symptoms. However, she noted that the Wyoming woman’s condition has been more severe.
Bird flu has been spreading through wild birds in the U.S. since 2022. The virus was recently found in dairy cows, infecting over 960 cattle herds across 16 states. Additionally, a recent CDC study indicated that the virus has spread to some veterinarians who have been in contact with infected animals.
While the risk to the general public remains low, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
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