A human case of A(H5) avian influenza has been confirmed in Missouri, but unlike other human cases, the patient in this case had no known contact with animals, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported.
According to a press release from the CDC, the most recent human case of avian influenza was detected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) through the state’s seasonal flu surveillance program.
A sample from the patient was forwarded to CDC for confirmatory testing, and CDC reported its findings on September 6.
CDC stated that the patient, who was hospitalized, had underlying medical conditions, but had no immediate known exposure to animals. The patient was treated with influenza antiviral medications, was discharged from the hospital and has since recovered.
This is the 14th instance in which a human was infected with the H5 virus in the United States in 2024. However, with every other case, the patient either had contact with a poultry flock or dairy cattle herd where the presence of the H5N1 virus was confirmed.
Other states to have had confirmed human cases of avian influenza include Colorado, Texas and Michigan.
CDC said it continues to closely monitor available data from influenza surveillance systems, particularly in affected states. It also assured the public that based on available date, the agency’s current assessment is that the risk to the general public from H5N1 virus remains low.
View our continuing coverage of the global avian influenza situation.
