Human Case of H5N1 Bird Flu Virus Linked to Outbreak in Dairy Cows

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CDC’s Risk Assessment for the General Public Remains Low

April 3, 2024

	Influenza (Flu)

www.cdc.gov/flu

H5N1 Update: One Human H5N1 Case in Texas 

A person in Texas has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus (“H5N1 bird flu”). This person had exposure to dairy cattle presumed to be infected with H5N1 bird flu viruses. The person reported eye redness (consistent with conjunctivitis) as their only symptom and is recovering. H5 bird flu is widespread among wild birds in the U.S. and globally. These viruses also have caused outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, and sporadic infections in other animals and people worldwide.

HPAI in dairy cows was first reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) March 25, 2024. These are the first ever reports of HPAI virus infections in cows. As of Wednesday, USDA has confirmed HPAI in dairy herds in 5 states: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, and Texas. HPAI viruses also have been detected in unpasteurized milk collected from sick cattle on dairy farms.

CDC is working closely with state and federal agencies, including USDA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local health authorities, to investigate and closely monitor this situation. On Friday, March 29, CDC updated and expanded recommendations to prevent and control the spread of H5N1 bird flu in humans to include other animals, in addition to birds.

Press Release	Current Situation Summary	FAQs about Avian Influenza

More Information 

• CDC is working with state health departments to monitor workers who may have been in contact with infected or potentially infected birds/animals and test those people who develop symptoms.
• This human H5N1 bird flu virus infection does not change the human health risk assessment for the U.S. general public, which CDC considers to be low; however, people with exposure to infected animals have a greater risk of infection.
• According to CDC’s interim recommendations, people should avoid unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals (including cattle), as well as with animal carcasses, raw milk, feces (poop), litter, or materials contaminated by birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected HPAI A(H5N1)-virus infection. 
• People should not prepare or eat uncooked or undercooked food or related uncooked food products.
• People should not consume unpasteurized (raw) milk, or products made from raw milk such as cheeses, from animals with confirmed or suspected HPAI A(H5N1)-virus infection.
• CDC will provide updates on the situation and update guidance as needed.  

	Twitter @CDCFlu A person in the U.S. has tested positive for #H5N1 bird flu virus after exposure to cows that were presumed to be infected with bird flu viruses. CDC is monitoring the situation & considers the risk to the general public to be low. Read full press release: https://bit.ly/4aymHmD

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