In a developing situation surrounding the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, four additional healthcare workers have reported respiratory symptoms following their exposure to a patient hospitalized with the virus. This information comes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is actively monitoring the situation.
The healthcare worker with the most significant exposure provided care to the patient prior to the implementation of safety measures, such as mandatory mask-wearing. The other three workers, who experienced symptoms, were involved in lower-risk interactions after the hospital mandated precautions. As of now, none of the affected workers have been tested for the virus during their illness, according to the CDC’s Friday report.
Prior to this announcement, two other healthcare workers had already been identified with respiratory symptoms, bringing the total number of symptomatic workers to six. Out of the 18 healthcare workers classified as having high-risk exposure, an additional 94 individuals were deemed to have low-risk contact with the patient.
Despite the rising number of cases, health officials have noted that the six healthcare workers did not experience severe symptoms, and their conditions have since improved. One worker tested negative for influenza, while the remaining five will undergo blood tests to check for antibodies that may indicate a previous H5N1 infection.
This cluster of cases is particularly concerning, as it follows the CDC’s earlier announcement that a Missouri resident tested positive for H5N1, marking the 14th human infection in the United States since April. Unlike previous cases primarily involving farm workers who had direct contact with infected animals, the Missouri patient had no known exposure to birds or livestock, raising questions about the origin of the infection. Investigations into the source are ongoing, led by the state with support from the CDC.
Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, emphasized that no confirmed cases of person-to-person transmission have been identified. “The investigation is ongoing, and there remains no evidence to suggest person-to-person transmission at this time,” Cox stated in an email to CNN. The potential for human-to-human transmission poses significant concerns, as it could indicate mutations in the virus that allow it to infect humans more easily.
The investigation has also involved assessing the household contacts of the infected patient. One person living with the patient developed symptoms on the same day, but experts believe this does not indicate transmission between them; rather, it suggests both individuals may have been exposed to a common source. Neither individual displayed typical flu-like symptoms or conjunctivitis. Another person in the household had only limited contact with the patient and reported no illness.
In response to the ongoing threat of H5N1, the CDC has developed a specialized wastewater testing protocol that can distinguish samples containing H5 viruses from other strains of influenza A. This will become increasingly important as the U.S. transitions into flu season, when influenza A is more prevalent in wastewater.
The CDC has issued several public health advisories to mitigate the risk of H5N1 transmission. Key recommendations include:
- Avoiding contact with sick or dying animals, particularly wild and farmed birds and livestock.
- Steering clear of bedding and litter from animals suspected of having H5N1.
- Not consuming raw milk, as heating milk can kill the virus, making pasteurized products safe for consumption.
- Using personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, when caring for sick animals.
Despite the rising concerns surrounding H5N1, health officials continue to maintain that the immediate risk to the general public remains low. As the investigation unfolds, experts will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates and guidance as necessary to ensure public safety.
