Health care worker is third person to become ill after contact with Missouri patient who had bird flu
Third Close Contact Reports Symptoms in H5N1 Bird Flu Case #
A third close contact of a patient hospitalized with H5N1 bird flu in Missouri has reported experiencing symptoms. This individual, a health care worker, was not tested as their symptoms resolved before the investigation into the illnesses began.
This is the second health care worker to report developing symptoms after contact with the patient. The first was tested for flu, with negative results.
The risk of H5N1 to the general population remains low. However, health care workers are often of high interest in disease investigations as they are frequently among the first to fall ill in outbreaks.
The case is complex, as the original patient had underlying medical conditions affecting lung function. When tested, the concentration of virus in their sample was low, suggesting a mild or waning infection.
Some experts maintain a low level of concern, noting that other respiratory infections are common, especially in hospital settings. However, the discovery of additional suspect cases late in the investigation raises questions.
The origin of the Missouri patient’s H5N1 infection remains unknown. Interviews with the patient and a household contact who also fell ill have not revealed any exposures to sick animals or raw milk.
Since the first bird flu cases in dairy cattle were detected in March, 213 herds have tested positive in 14 states. No positive herds have been reported in Missouri.
Both the original patient and the household contact have recovered. Blood samples have been collected from them for antibody testing, which could indicate a previous infection with the bird flu virus.
The investigation continues as health officials work to understand the spread and potential risks of H5N1 in this case.