Monday, November 4, 2024

Officials say three Colorado chicken workers have bird flu

BSIP/UIG/Getty Images

Electron micrograph image of two H5N1 avian influenza virions.



CNN

Three people who help raise poultry at a farm in northeastern Colorado have been diagnosed with bird flu, the state Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. .

Workers at a commercial egg operation are believed to have caught the virus by working directly with infected birds. They had mild symptoms, including conjunctivitis or pink eye and breathing problems, but none of them were hospitalized, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. A statement Friday.

At the state’s request, the CDC is sending a team to support the outbreak investigation.

“State public health officials have collected additional samples from symptomatic workers that will be tested later this week,” the Colorado agency said. Even the CDC said It will conduct confirmatory testing on samples.

Get CNN Health’s weekly newsletter

The CDC said the risk assessment for the general population is low. “There are no indications of an unexpected increase in influenza activity in cattle and poultry affected by the H5 avian influenza outbreak in Colorado or other states,” it said.

Four people A positive test for bird flu was conducted in the United States. Colorado’s agriculture industry has been hit hard by bird flu, Gov. Jared Polis declares July 5 disaster emergency to ensure the state can provide support and resources to farms in Weld County.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment states that poultry products are still safe to eat if properly handled and cooked. The CDC recommends avoiding close or prolonged exposure to sick or dead animals, animal feces, or bedding. Experts advise against consuming unpasteurized or raw milk because of the potential for contamination.

Latest news
Related news