A third person in the U.S. has tested positive for bird flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low. According to AL.com
This case is the second reported in Michigan, following an earlier positive test in Texas. All three patients, though unrelated, were dairy farm workers exposed to infected cows. Bird flu can infect mammals that consume tainted birds or come into contact with contaminated environments.
The latest patient exhibited different symptoms than the previous cases, experiencing typical flu symptoms such as cough, congestion, watery eyes, and sore throat. Earlier patients had reported only eye issues similar to pink eye.
“These respiratory symptoms indicate that this virus, like many viruses, can present in multiple ways, which is why we should remain alert but not alarmed,” stated Dr. Nirav Shah, the principal deputy director of the CDC, during a briefing. CNN says
The patient is being treated at home and is improving, officials reported. Additionally, 200 people in Michigan are being monitored.
The CDC is closely monitoring flu data but has not observed any significant uptick in influenza cases among people, even in the affected states. The agency recommends that those working around animals take extra precautions, such as wearing protective gear.
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans
Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include red eyes and mild flu-like upper respiratory issues. Report from NBC, Severe symptoms can involve pneumonia requiring hospitalization, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
