The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has confirmed five cases of human H5 avian influenza among workers involved in responding to a recent major outbreak at a layer farm. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has verified four of these infections.
Affected individuals have exhibited mild symptoms such as conjunctivitis and respiratory issues, with no hospitalizations reported, according to CDPHE statements. Concurrently, similar symptoms, including conjunctivitis, have been observed in dairy farm workers, possibly linked to the B3.13 genotype affecting dairy cattle.
Recently, an outbreak was reported at a large layer farm in Weld County, impacting both poultry and dairy herds. This outbreak, involving 1.78 million birds, prompted a state emergency declaration to bolster response efforts.
Colorado has experienced significant H5N1 outbreaks, particularly affecting dairy cows, with Weld County reporting 36 cases. Additional cases have emerged among poultry farm workers in the northeastern part of the state, with ongoing investigations supported by the CDC.
Health officials suspect direct exposure to infected poultry as the likely cause of these cases among farm workers. The CDC has deployed a team to aid in these investigations and is conducting genetic sequencing to analyze the virus strain.
While the risk to the general public remains low, the recent spike in infections underscores the potential threat posed by exposure to infected animals. Monitoring and testing efforts continue as health authorities remain vigilant.
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