US confirms first human case of bird flu with patient having no previous exposure to animal

US health officials have confirmed the first human case of avian influenza A(H5) (‘H5 bird flu’) with the patient reporting no immediate exposure to an animal.

The case was reported from Missouri state.

“An investigation into the potential exposure is ongoing by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS),” read a statement issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Missouri DHSS reports that the patient, who was hospitalized, had underlying medical conditions, was treated with influenza antiviral medications, subsequently discharged, and has recovered.

“There is no immediate known animal exposure. No ongoing transmission among close contacts or otherwise has been identified,” the statement said.

This is the 14th human case of H5 reported in the United States during 2024 and the first case of H5 without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals, CDC said.

H5 outbreaks in cattle have not been reported in Missouri, but outbreaks of H5 have been reported in commercial and backyard poultry flocks in 2024.

H5N1 bird flu has been detected in wild birds in that state in the past.

” Based on available data, CDC’s current assessment is that the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low,” CDC said.