Colorado Reports First Human Avian Flu Case Amid New Strains

Colorado has reported its first human case of avian flu, involving a dairy farm worker who tested positive after showing mild symptoms, including pink eye. The worker, who had contact with infected cattle, has recovered following antiviral treatment. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that while the general public's risk remains low, those exposed to infected animals are at higher risk. Moderna is advancing a human vaccine for bird flu with a US$176 million government contract, and the USDA is exploring cattle vaccine options, reports Reuters. 

This case marks the fourth confirmed instance of bird flu in humans in the United States since the virus was detected in cattle in March, reports Reuters. The previous three cases involved dairy farm workers who also experienced mild symptoms and have since recovered. The CDC confirmed the latest case, emphasizing that while the risk to the general public remains low, individuals with direct exposure to infected animals are at a higher risk.

“Avian flu viruses are currently spreading among animals, but they are not adapted to spread from person to person. Right now, the most important thing to know is that people who have regular exposure to infected animals are at increased risk of infection and should take precautions when they have contact with sick animals," said Rachel Herlihy, Preventive Medicine Physician and State Epidemiologist, Denver.

The avian flu outbreak has impacted cattle on 139 farms across 12 US states, with Colorado experiencing 27 outbreaks. In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the first human death from the H5N2 strain in Mexico. Additionally, Germany has reported its first-ever H7N5 bird flu outbreak in Bad Bentheim, Lower Saxony, killing 6,000 of 90,879 birds. This new H7N5 strain, distinct from H5N1, marks a new avian flu threat, as confirmed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Scientists are increasingly concerned about a potential bird flu pandemic due to gaps in surveillance that could delay an effective response, reports MBN. Andrew Pekosz, Influenza Expert, Johns Hopkins University, emphasized the risk posed by H5 viruses, noting their propensity to infect mammals. He warned that each spillover presents an opportunity for the virus to mutate and enhance its ability to infect humans. Similarly, Scott Hensley, Microbiology Professor, University of Pennsylvania, described the situation as a “pandemic unfolding in slow motion.”

Fighting a Potential Pandemic

Moderna has secured a US$176 million government contract to advance the development of a human bird flu vaccine. The funds, provided by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), will support late-stage development and testing of a pre-pandemic mRNA-based vaccine against H5N1 avian influenza. The USDA is also researching potential vaccines for cattle and recopiliating information from various companies, although it aims to eradicate the virus from dairy herds without relying on vaccination.

The CDC and USDA continue to monitor the situation closely and are working to mitigate the spread of the virus among both animals and humans.