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#USA, #Monitoring for Avian #Influenza A(#H5) Virus In #Wastewater {Dec. 6 ’24}

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html

{Excerpt}

Time Period: November 24 – November 30, 2024

— H5 Detection: 43 sites (14.7%)

— No Detection: 249 sites (85.3%)

— No samples in last week: 52 sites

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#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #updates #USCDC #USA #wastewater

#USA, Confirmed #human #H5N1 virus cases summary during 2024 #outbreak, by state and exposure source, as of Nov. 4 ’24: One new case, total = 58

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm

{Excerpt}

Exposure Source
[State – Cattle – Poultry – Unknown – State Total]
1) California – 31 – 0 – 1 – 32 {+1}
2) Colorado – 1 – 9 – 0 – 10
3) Michigan – 2 – 0 – 0 – 2
4) Missouri – 0 – 0 – 1 – 1
5) Oregon – 0 – 1 – 0 – 1
6) Texas – 1 – 0 – 0 – 1
7) Washington – 0 – 11 – 0 – 11
— Source Total – 35 – 21 – 2 – 58 {+1}

NOTE: One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022.

Additional cases meeting the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) probable case definition have been reported by states: 1 case with dairy cow exposure (CA), 3 cases with poultry exposure (WA). Confirmatory testing at CDC for these cases was negative.

This table is typically updated by 5 PM EST on Mondays (for cases confirmed by CDC on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday), Wednesdays (for cases confirmed by CDC on Monday or Tuesday), and Fridays (for cases confirmed by CDC on Wednesday and Thursday). Affected states may report cases more frequently.

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#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #AVIANINFLUENZA #birdFlu #h5n1 #health #human #news #updates #USCDC #USA

#USA, Confirmed #human cases of #H5N1 #birdflu virus summary during 2024 #outbreak, by state and exposure source, as of Dec. 2 ’24: 2 new cases, total = 57

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm

{Excerpt}

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Exposure Source
[State – Cattle – Poultry – Unknown – State Total]
1) California – 30 – 0 – 1 – 31 {+2}
2) Colorado – 1 – 9 – 0 – 10
3) Michigan – 2 – 0 – 0 – 2
4) Missouri – 0 – 0 – 1 – 1
5) Oregon – 0 – 1 – 0 – 1
6) Texas – 1 – 0 – 0 – 1
7) Washington – 0 – 11 – 0 – 11
— Source Total – 34 – 21 – 2 – 57 {+2}

NOTE: One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022.

Additional cases meeting the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) probable case definition have been reported by states: 1 case with dairy cow exposure (CA), 3 cases with poultry exposure (WA). Confirmatory testing at CDC for these cases was negative.

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#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #AVIANINFLUENZA #birdFlu #h5n1 #health #human #news #updates #USCDC #USA

#USA, Monitoring for Avian #Influenza A(#H5) Virus In #Wastewater, as of Dec. 2 ’24

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html

{Excerpt}

Time Period: November 17 – November 23, 2024

— H5 Detection: 50 sites (16.1%)
— No Detection: 260 sites (83.9%)
— No samples in last week: 35 sites

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#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #updates #USCDC #USA #wastewater

#USA, Novel #Influenza A #H5N1 Virus {week 47, FluView}: 2 new cases in California (State Total = 31)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2024-week-47.html

{Excerpts}

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Two confirmed human infections with influenza A(H5) viruses were reported to CDC this week by the California Department of Public Health. To date, human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) virus has not been identified in the United States.

These cases occurred in workers at commercial dairy cattle farms in areas where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses had been detected in cows. There have now been 31 total confirmed cases and one probable human case in California.

Both individuals reported this week are ≥18 years old. These individuals had mild symptoms, which they reported to local health department officials. Specimens were collected from the individuals and were initially tested at state or local public health laboratories using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay before being sent to CDC for further testing. Specimens from the confirmed cases were positive for influenza A(H5) virus using diagnostic RT-PCR at CDC. Additional analysis including genetic sequencing is underway.

In response to these detections, additional case investigations and surveillance activities are being conducted by public health officials in California and Washington.

The CSTE position statement, which includes updated case definitions for confirmed, probable, and suspect cases is available at http://www.cste.org/resource/resmgr/position_statements_files_2023/24-ID-09_Novel_Influenza_A.pdf

An up-to-date human case summary during the 2024 outbreak by state and exposure source is available at http://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

Information about avian influenza is available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm.

Interim recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations are available at https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html.

The latest case reports on avian influenza outbreaks in wild birds, commercial poultry, backyard or hobbyist flocks, and mammals in the United States are available from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai.

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#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #AVIANINFLUENZA #birdFlu #california #h5n1 #health #human #news #updates #USCDC #USA

#USA, Confirmed #H5N1 virus #human case #summary during 2024 #outbreak, by state and exposure source: 2 new cases, total: 55 as of Nov. 22 ’24

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm

{Excerpt}

Exposure Source
[State – Cattle – Poultry – Unknown – State Total]
1) California – 28 – 0 – 1 – 29 {+2}
2) Colorado – 1 – 9 – 0 – 10
3) Michigan – 2 – 0 – 0 – 2
4) Missouri – 0 – 0 – 1 – 1
5) Oregon – 0 – 1 – 0 – 1
6) Texas – 1 – 0 – 0 – 1
7) Washington – 0 – 11 – 0 – 11
— Source Total – 32 – 21 – 2 – 55 {+2}

NOTE: One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022.

Additional cases meeting the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) probable case definition have been reported by states: 1 case with dairy cow exposure (CA), 3 cases with poultry exposure (WA). Confirmatory testing at CDC for these cases was negative.

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#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #AVIANINFLUENZA #birdFlu #h5n1 #health #human #news #updates #USCDC #USA

#US #CDC confirms #H5N1 #Birdflu #Infection in a #Child in #California

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p1122-h5n1-bird-flu.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_1_3-DM141264&ACSTrackingLabel=CDC%20Newsroom%3A%20Week%20In%20Review%20-%2011%2F22%2F24&deliveryName=USCDC_1_3-DM141264

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) (H5N1 bird flu) in a child in California. This is the first reported avian influenza H5 virus infection in a child in the United States.

Consistent with previously identified human cases in the United States, the child reportedly experienced mild symptoms and received flu antivirals. There were low levels of viral material detected in the initial specimen collected, and follow-up testing of the child several days later was negative for H5 bird flu but was positive for other common respiratory viruses. The child is recovering from their illness. An investigation by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) into the child’s possible H5N1 exposure source is ongoing.

During CDPH’s investigation, all household members reported having symptoms and specimens were collected from those people. All test results from members of the household were negative for H5 bird flu, and some family members were positive for the same common respiratory viruses as the child. Contact tracing continues, but there is currently no evidence of person-to-person spread of H5N1 bird flu from this child to others. To date, there has been no person-to-person spread identified associated with any of the H5N1 bird flu cases reported in the United States.

This case was detected through influenza testing and reported to CDPH through influenza surveillance. This is the second U.S. case identified through national surveillance. CDC continues to closely monitor available data from influenza surveillance systems, particularly in states affected by outbreaks in animals, including California, where widespread outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu have been detected in wild birds and domestic poultry since 2022 and dairy herds since August 2024 in that state.

Limited and sporadic human infections with avian influenza H5N1 virus, where animal exposure was not identified, are very uncommon but have occurred, primarily in countries other than the United States. These instances underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance and investigations at the local, state, and Federal levels. Including this most recent case, 55 human cases of H5 bird flu have now been reported in the United States during 2024, with 29 in California.

CDC’s risk assessment for the general public is low. However, people with exposure to infected or potentially infected animals, such as birds, dairy cattle, or other animals (including livestock), or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at higher risk of infection. CDC recommends avoiding unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals (including cows).

CDC will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available. For more information, read California’s statement State Reports Single, Possible Case of Bird Flu Virus in Child with Mild Symptoms.

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#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #AVIANINFLUENZA #birdFlu #california #h5n1 #health #human #news #updates #USCDC #USA

#USA, Novel Influenza A #H5N1 Virus #Infections: Six new cases, 5 in #California and 1 in #Oregon

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2024-week-46.html

{Excerpts}

Six confirmed human infections with influenza A(H5) viruses were reported to CDC this week. To date, human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) virus has not been identified in the United States.

Five confirmed cases were reported by the California Department of Public Health. Four of these cases occurred in workers at commercial dairy cattle farms in areas where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses had been detected in cows, and one case occurred in a child with no known contact with influenza A(H5N1) virus-infected animals. The investigation into the source of infection for this case is ongoing, but there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. There have now been 29 total confirmed human cases and one probable human case in California.

One confirmed case was reported by the Oregon Health Authority. This case was in a worker who performed depopulation activities at a commercial poultry facility where HPAI A (H5N1) viruses had been detected in birds. This is the first human case identified in Oregon.

Five of the six individuals reported this week are more than 18 years old and one was less than 18 years old. All six individuals had mild symptoms. Specimens from all six individuals were tested at state or public health laboratories using the CDC influenza A (H5) assay before being sent to CDC for further testing. Specimens from all six confirmed cases were positive for influenza A(H5) virus using diagnostic RT-PCR or genetic sequencing at CDC. Additional analysis including genetic sequencing is underway.

In response to these detections, additional case investigations and surveillance activities are being conducted by public health officials in California and Oregon.

An up-to-date human case summary during the 2024 outbreak by state and exposure source is available at http://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

Information about avian influenza is available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm.

Interim recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations are available at https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html.

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#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #AVIANINFLUENZA #birdFlu #california #h5n1 #health #human #news #oregon #updates #USCDC #USA

#USA, #H5 #detection in #wastewater in the past week: November 10 – November 16, 2024

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html

{Excerpt}

H5 Detection: 46 sites (14.2%)

No Detection: 279 sites (85.8%)

No samples in last week: 24 sites

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#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #california #updates #USCDC #USA #wastewater

Interim #Guidance for #Employers to Reduce #Exposure to Novel #Influenza A (Such as #H5N1 #Birdflu) for People Working with or Exposed to Animals

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/worker-protection-ppe.html

{Summary}

This updated interim guidance identifies work tasks that may pose an increased risk of worker exposure to novel influenza A viruses associated with disease in humans and provides recommended controls for each level. Specific recommendations for these work tasks may be updated as CDC learns more during this evolving situation.

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#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #occupationalHealth #updates #USCDC #USA

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/employer-provided-ppe.html

{Excerpt}

Summary

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed in some cases to reduce the risk of exposures, especially for workers in direct contact with animals or their secretions. Employers should provide appropriate PPE at no cost as well as training on its proper use. Employers should consider implementing controls to reduce the risk of heat related illness and injuries for workers wearing PPE in hot environments.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/08/information-for-employers-providing-ppe-to-reduce-exposure-to-novel-influenza-a/

#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #human #occupationalHealth #PPE #updates #USCDC #USA

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/worker-protection-ppe.html

{Excerpt}

Human infections with novel influenza A viruses (such as H5N1 Bird Flu) can happen when enough virus gets into a person's eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled. This can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets, small aerosol particles, or possibly dust) and deposits on the mucus membranes of the mouth, eyes, or nose. It can also happen when a person breathes the virus in, or possibly when a person touches something contaminated by viruses and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose. Employers should take steps to reduce workers' exposure to novel influenza A viruses from sick animals or contaminated environments. Workers may be exposed when working with animals confirmed or potentially infected with novel influenza A viruses. They may also be exposed when working with materials, including raw milk, that are confirmed or potentially contaminated with novel influenza A viruses.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/08/interim-guidance-for-employers-to-reduce-exposure-to-novel-influenza-a-such-as-h5n1-birdflu-for-people-working-with-or-exposed-to-animals/

#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #birdFlu #flu #health #human #influenza #news #occupationalHealth #PPE #updates #USCDC #USA

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/farm-workers.html

{Excerpt}

Summary

H5N1 bird ﬂu is a virus that has been found in cows. It can also be found in poultry and other animals. People who work with infected animals or their byproducts (for example, raw milk), such as dairy and poultry workers, might get sick from the virus. Your employer should develop a workplace health and safety plan and share it with you. This page was updated to include details about worker exposure levels and using appropriate personal protective equipment safely for each exposure level.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/08/information-for-workers-exposed-to-h5n1-birdflu/

#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #human #occupationalHealth #PPE #updates #USCDC #USA

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html

{Excerpt}

Summary

The purpose of this guidance is to outline CDC's recommendations for preventing exposures to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses, infection prevention and control measures including the use of personal protective equipment, testing, antiviral treatment, patient investigations, monitoring of exposed persons (including persons exposed to sick or dead wild and domesticated animals and livestock with suspected or confirmed infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus), and antiviral chemoprophylaxis of exposed persons. These recommendations are based on available information and will be updated as needed when new information becomes available.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/08/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-ah5n1-virus-interim-recommendations-for-prevention-monitoring-and-public-health-investigations/

#aH5n1 #antivirals #avianInfluenza #human #oseltamivir #postExposureProphylaxis #PPE #updates #USCDC #USA

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2024-week-44.html

{Excerpt}

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Novel Influenza A Virus Infections
Seven confirmed and four probable human infections with influenza A(H5) viruses were reported to CDC this week.

To date, human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) virus has not been identified in the United States.

Five confirmed cases and one probable case were reported by the California Department of Public Health. These cases occurred in workers at commercial dairy cattle farms in areas where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses had been detected in cows. There have now been 21 total confirmed cases and one probable human case in California.

Two confirmed and three probable cases were reported by the Washington State Department of Health. These cases occurred among workers performing depopulation activities at a commercial poultry facility where HPAI A (H5N1) viruses had been detected in birds. There have now been 11 total confirmed and three probable human cases in Washington.

All eleven individuals with confirmed or probable influenza A(H5) virus infection reported to CDC this week are aged >18 years. These individuals had mild symptoms, which they reported to local health department officials. Specimens were collected from the individuals and were initially tested at state or local public health laboratories using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay before being sent to CDC for further testing. Specimens from the confirmed cases were positive for influenza A(H5) virus using diagnostic rRT-PCR at CDC. Additional analysis including genetic sequencing is underway.

In response to these detections, additional case investigations and surveillance activities are being conducted by public health officials in California and Washington.

The CSTE position statement, which includes updated case definitions for confirmed, probable, and suspect cases is available at http://www.cste.org/resource/resmgr/position_statements_files_2023/24-ID-09_Novel_Influenza_A.pdf

An up-to-date human case summary during the 2024 outbreak by state and exposure source is available at http://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

Information about avian influenza is available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm.

Interim recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations are available at https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html.

The latest case reports on avian influenza outbreaks in wild birds, commercial poultry, backyard or hobbyist flocks, and mammals in the United States are available from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/08/usa-novel-influenza-a-virus-infections-during-week-44-24-11-new-cases-of-h5-7-confirmed-4-probable/

#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #AVIANINFLUENZA #birdFlu #h5n1 #health #human #news #updates #USCDC #USA

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7344a3.htm?s_cid=mm7344a3_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM140166&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2073%2C%20November%207%2C%202024&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM140166

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses have been detected sporadically in dairy farm workers in the United States since April 2024. Public health response efforts include active monitoring of workers exposed to HPAI A(H5) virus for illness.

What is added by this report?

Health officials conducted surveys and serologic testing to identify recent HPAI A(H5) infections among dairy workers in two states. Serologic testing indicated that 7% of participating dairy workers had evidence of recent infection with HPAI A(H5) virus.

What are the implications for public health practice?

The findings support the need for active monitoring of exposed workers and testing to detect and treat HPAI A(H5) infections, including those in persons with very mild symptoms. These efforts should be coupled with farmworker education about infection risks and prevention measures.

Abstract
Since April 2024, sporadic infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses have been detected among dairy farm workers in the United States. To date, infections have mostly been detected through worker monitoring, and have been mild despite the possibility of more severe illness. During June–August 2024, CDC collaborated with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to implement cross-sectional serologic surveys to ascertain the prevalence of recent infection with HPAI A(H5) virus among dairy workers. In both states, a convenience sample of persons who work in dairies was interviewed, and blood specimens were collected. Among 115 persons, eight (7%; 95% CI = 3.6%–13.1%) had serologic evidence of recent infection with A(H5) virus; all reported milking cows or cleaning the milking parlor. Among persons with serologic evidence of infection, four recalled being ill around the time cows were ill; symptoms began before or within a few days of A(H5) virus detections among cows. This finding supports the need to identify and implement strategies to prevent transmission among dairy cattle to reduce worker exposures and for education and outreach to dairy workers concerning prevention, symptoms, and where to seek medical care if the workers develop symptoms. Timely identification of infected herds can support rapid initiation of monitoring, testing, and treatment for human illness, including mild illness, among exposed dairy workers.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/07/serologic-evidence-of-recent-infection-with-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-ah5-virus-among-dairy-workers-michigan-and-colorado-june-august-2024-7-of-workers-were-posi/

#aH5n1 #abstract #avianInfluenza #AVIANINFLUENZA #birdFlu #colorado #dairyCow #h5n1 #health #human #michigan #news #occupationalHealth #research #serology #USCDC #USA

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7344a2.htm?s_cid=mm7344a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM140166&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2073%2C%20November%207%2C%202024&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM140166

Summary:

What is already known about this topic?

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by farmworkers can protect them when they are working with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1)–infected cows.

What is added by this report?

Dairy farmworkers in Colorado who were interviewed about PPE use during work activities with ill cows reported 28% higher use of PPE after detection of A(H5N1) virus on the farm than before detection, including a 40% increase in reported use of eye protection during milking. Reported use of respirators and other masks was low.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Establishing strong relationships between public health agencies and agricultural organizations to communicate public health risk and protective practices on U.S. farms after detection of A(H5N1) in cows, and early distribution of PPE before A(H5N1) virus detection, might increase PPE use once an A(H5N1) outbreak is identified.

Abstract
The risk for transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus from dairy cows to humans is currently low; however, personal protective equipment (PPE) use during work activities on dairy farms has not been well described. PPE use can protect farmworkers when they are working with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1)–infected cows. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) offered PPE to all Colorado farms before or during an A(H5N1) outbreak in cows in 2024. CDPHE surveyed 83 dairy workers from three farms with a confirmed bovine A(H5N1) outbreak. Frequently reported farm worker activities included milking cows or working in the milking parlor (51%), cleaning cow manure (49%), and transporting cows (46%). Frequently reported PPE items available to workers before A(H5N1) outbreaks included gloves (88%), eye protection (e.g., safety glasses or goggles) (76%), rubber boots or boot covers (71%), and head covers (69%). N95 respirator use was low among workers who were exposed to ill cows after detection of A(H5N1) virus (26%). PPE use while working with ill cows increased a mean of 28% after detection of A(H5N1) virus on surveyed farms; use of eye protection while milking cows increased the most (40%). Public health PPE distribution, education, and collaboration with CDA might have increased PPE use on dairy farms with A(H5N1) virus–infected cows and mitigated risk for farmworkers acquiring A(H5N1) virus.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/07/ppe-use-by-dairy-farmworkers-exposed-to-cows-infected-with-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-ah5n1-viruses-colorado-2024/

#aH5n1 #abstract #avianInfluenza #AVIANINFLUENZA #birdFlu #colorado #dairyCow #h5n1 #health #news #occupationalHealth #PPE #research #USCDC #USA

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm

Exposure Source
State – Cattle – Poultry – Unknown – State Total
1) California – 21 – 0 – 0 – 21 {+4}
2) Colorado – 1 – 9 – 0 – 10
3) Michigan – 2 – 0 – 0 – 2
4) Missouri – 0 – 0 – 1 – 1
5) Texas – 1 – 0 – 0 – 1
6) Washington – 0 – 11 – 0 – 11 {+2}
— Source Total – 25 – 20 – 1 – 46

NOTE: One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022.

Additional cases meeting the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) probable case definition have been reported by states: 1 case with dairy cow exposure (CA), 3 cases with poultry exposure (WA). Confirmatory testing at CDC for these cases was negative.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/06/usa-confirmed-human-case-summary-during-2024-h5n1-outbreak-by-state-and-exposure-source-5-new-cases-total-46/

#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #birdFlu #COVID19 #flu #health #human #news #updates #USCDC #USA

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-11012024.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_7_3-DM140015&ACSTrackingLabel=CDC%20A(H5N1)%20Bird%20Flu%20Response%20Update%E2%80%AF%20November%204%2C%202024&deliveryName=USCDC_7_3-DM140015

{Excerpts}

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Situation Update
November 4, 2024 – CDC continues to respond to the public health challenge posed by a multistate outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, or “H5N1 bird flu,” in dairy cows, poultry and other animals in the United States. CDC is working in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), state public health and animal health officials, and other partners using a One Health approach.

Since April 2024, CDC, working with state public health departments, has confirmed H5 bird flu infections in 44 people in the United States. Nineteen of these cases were associated with exposure to H5N1 bird flu-infected poultry and 24 were associated with exposure to sick or infected dairy cows [A][B]. The source of the exposure in one case, which was reported by Missouri on September 6, could not be determined. Serological testing of the contacts of the Missouri case have been reported, and that investigation has concluded.

The 44 cases include 20 cases in dairy farm workers in California, three of which were confirmed by CDC last week and three on Monday, November 4; nine cases in poultry farm workers in Washington state, three of which were confirmed by CDC last week; and one case associated with the Washington poultry outbreak that was confirmed by CDC last week and is pending jurisdiction assignment. Not included in that count are four probable cases — one in a California dairy farm worker and three in Washington state poultry farm workers. While these probable cases were negative on confirmatory testing at CDC, all four met the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) probable case definition and have been reported by the states.

Cases in California and Washington have occurred in workers on affected farms. All available data so far suggest sporadic instances of animal-to-human spread. The farm workers in California and Washington state all described mild symptoms, many with eye redness or discharge (conjunctivitis). Some workers who tested positive in Washington reported some mild upper respiratory symptoms. None of the workers were hospitalized. Updated case counts, including by state and source of exposure, are reflected in a table on CDC’s website. To date, person-to-person spread of H5 bird flu has not been identified in the United States. CDC believes the immediate risk to the general public from H5 bird flu remains low, but people with exposure to infected animals are at higher risk of infection.

On the animal health side, since March 2024, USDA has confirmed infected cattle in 440 dairy herds in 15 U.S. states. The number of affected herds continues to grow nationally, with almost all new infections identified in herds in California. USDA reports that, since April 2024, there have been H5 detections in 45 commercial poultry flocks and 30 backyard flocks, for a total of 22.37 million birds affected.

Among other activities reported in previous spotlights and ongoing, recent highlights of CDC’s response to this include:

Laboratory Update
CDC posted a spotlight describing the results of CDC’s first study investigating the effects in ferrets of an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus isolated from a human case in the United States. The study, published on October 28 in the journal Nature, found that when 12 laboratory ferrets were infected with a virus isolated from a human case in Texas (A/Texas/37/2024), all 12 experienced severe and fatal disease. The study also found that this virus efficiently transmitted from infected ferrets to healthy ferrets in the presence of direct contact and, less efficiently, via fomites and respiratory droplets. Preliminary findings from this study, first shared in June 2024, were instrumental in informing early risk assessments related to this outbreak.

To date, CDC has confirmed nine human cases of H5 bird flu in poultry farm workers in Washington state. Genetic sequencing of three of these cases confirms that all are avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses from clade 2.3.4.4b and that all are closely related genetically to the viruses causing infections in poultry on the farm where depopulation was conducted. CDC has successfully obtained partial gene sequences for viruses from three cases in Washington (A/Washington/239/2024, A/Washington/240/2024, A/Washington/247/2024) with other cases pending sequence analysis.

That sequencing information showed that the viruses’ hemagglutinin (HA) is closely related to candidate vaccine viruses (CVV) and that there were no changes in the HA associated with increased infectivity or transmissibility among people. Additionally, there were no mutations associated with reduced susceptibility to available neuraminidase inhibitor treatments and no mutations identified in other genes indicating additional mammalian adaptation. Genetic data have been posted in GISAID and GenBank. Additional data will be posted as they become available. CDC has successfully isolated virus from specimens from three of the nine cases. Attempts to isolate virus from additional specimens are ongoing. Antigenic characterization and antiviral susceptibility testing are underway. Antigenic characterization will inform whether existing H5 bird flu candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) would provide good inhibition of these viruses.

Epidemiology Update
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, USDA reported an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in a pig on a backyard farm in Oregon. This is the first time an H5 bird flu infection has been reported in a pig in the United States. Sequence data from birds in the avian influenza A(H5) virus outbreak on this backyard farm showed no mutations that caused concerns related to disease severity or adaptability to humans. The discovery that an avian influenza A virus has infected a new mammal species is always concerning, especially when the virus is detected in pigs, which are susceptible to influenza viruses circulating in pigs, humans, birds, and other species. These viruses can swap genes through a process called genetic reassortment, which can occur when two (or more) influenza viruses infect a single host. Reassortment can result in the emergence of new influenza A viruses with new or different properties, such as the ability to spread more easily among animals or people. Reassortment events have happened in pigs in the past. A series of reassortment events in pigs is believed to have caused the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic. Based on available information, the risk to the general public remains low; however, CDC is continuing to gather information.

A multilingual CDC field team continues to assist the California Department of Public Health in its efforts to learn more about how the outbreak in California began and how to lower the risk to farm workers with exposure to infected cows. Two staff members are on the ground in California, and additional staff are ready to deploy if needed. CDC staff are assisting with active surveillance efforts, including field assessments of suspected cases and household contacts; testing and treatment; and dissemination of information to farm workers and the community. A separate CDC field team has returned from deployment to Washington state but continues to work remotely with the local health department on data management and epidemiological summaries. There is no evidence of any person-to-person spread in either of the two states or anywhere in the United States.

Surveillance Update
As noted above, CDC has so far confirmed nine cases in Washington.

CDC continues to support states that are monitoring people with exposure to cows, birds, or other domestic or wild animals infected, or potentially infected, with H5N1 bird flu. To date, more than 6,700 people have been monitored as a result of their exposure to infected or potentially infected animals, and at least 340 people who have developed flu-like symptoms have been tested as part of this targeted, situation-specific testing. More information on monitoring can be found at Symptom Monitoring Among Persons Exposed to HPAI.

In addition, since February 25, 2024, more than 57,000 specimens have been tested for avian influenza A(H5) virus or other novel influenza viruses at public health labs. One of the specimens, collected as a part of routine surveillance, was identified as presumptive positive for avian influenza A(H5) virus and was confirmed as H5N1 bird flu positive by CDC.

CDC also continues to monitor flu surveillance data using CDC’s 2024-2025 influenza surveillance strategy, especially in areas where avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in dairy cows or other animals, for any unusual trends, including in flu-like illness, conjunctivitis, or influenza virus activity. Overall, for the most recent week of data, CDC flu surveillance systems show no indicators of unusual flu activity in people.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/05/us-cdc-ah5n1-birdflu-response-update-november-4-2024/

#aH5n1 #avianInfluenza #AVIANINFLUENZA #birdFlu #california #h5n1 #health #human #news #oregon #pigs #poultry #updates #USCDC #USA #washington

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/ah5n1-ferret-study-results.html

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What to know
The results of CDC's first study looking at the effects on ferrets of an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus from a human case in Texas have been published in Nature. CDC first shared preliminary findings from this study, which were instrumental in informing early risk assessments related to this outbreak, in June 2024. Ferrets are used as a model to assess the disease and spread characteristics of specific influenza (flu) viruses in people. The initial study was subsequently replicated to confirm the findings, and this publication summarizes all the findings from the ferret experiments using the isolate from the case human case in Texas. Results of subsequent similar studies using different viruses from the same outbreak have differed.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/01/us-cdc-reports-additional-avian-influenza-ah5n1-ferret-study-results/

#aH5n1 #animalModels #avianInfluenza #ferrets #human #research #USCDC #USA

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