An elderly woman in southeast Wyoming has been hospitalized due to bird flu, as announced by state health officials on Friday.
This incident marks the state’s first confirmed case of Type A H5N1 influenza in humans, a virus that has been affecting various animals as well as some individuals. In the past year, approximately 70 cases of bird flu have been documented in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, experts believe this figure may underestimate the actual number of infections.
The woman, residing in Platte County, had been caring for a backyard flock of chickens, which later fell ill and died. A spokesperson from the CDC mentioned on Saturday that it is believed she had direct contact with her flock. Additionally, she has underlying health issues and is currently receiving treatment in a different state.
Wyoming’s state health officer and epidemiologist, Dr. Alexia Harrist, reassured residents that there is no need for excessive concern regarding this isolated human case, which was confirmed by the CDC on Friday. Most reported human cases of bird flu in the U.S. have exhibited mild symptoms; however, Harrist expressed that the situation for this particular patient is considerably more severe.
A recent study from the CDC has indicated that the bird flu virus has been covertly transmitted from animals to certain veterinarians. This strain of bird flu has been circulating among wild birds in the United States since 2022 and was first found in U.S. dairy cows last year, with over 960 cattle herds across 16 states being affected.
In conclusion, while the rise of bird flu cases poses a concern, experts maintain that the risk to the general public remains low, especially considering the mild nature of most infections. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure public safety.
