Health officials in Missouri are investigating a rare case of a person contracting bird flu, with the exact strain of the virus still unidentified. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, as there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
The individual in question exhibited symptoms such as chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness, leading to hospitalization. Testing revealed the presence of influenza A, a virus category commonly found in birds. However, due to a low concentration of viral genetic material, a full analysis to confirm the specific virus strain has not been possible.
Despite the lack of confirmed details, health officials have ruled out any known contact with animals associated with the ongoing bird flu outbreak. The patient received antiviral medication, recovered, and has been discharged from the hospital.
This incident marks the 14th case of bird flu in the U.S. since March, with all previous cases linked to direct contact with infected animals. The CDC is conducting further investigations, including testing individuals who were in close proximity to the patient, to monitor for any signs of infection.
While the presence of avian flu strains in animals poses a potential risk of exposure to humans, officials stress that this case appears to be an isolated occurrence. The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
