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H5N1 Avian Flu Spreads, Underdetected Cases in US Dairy Workers

The H5N1 avian flu virus is spreading, with a CDC study revealing a higher than expected infection rate among US dairy workers. While the risk to the general public remains low, concerns remain about the virus's potential adaptation to mammals.

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CdcUs Dairy Farms

What is the current status of the H5N1 avian influenza virus?: The H5N1 avian influenza virus is spreading globally, infecting birds, cows, pigs, and humans. A recent CDC study in US dairy farms found a 7% infection rate among workers, suggesting many cases are undetected.
What factors have limited the CDC's investigation into H5N1 transmission?: The CDC investigation was limited in scope due to several factors such as mild or asymptomatic infections among workers and reluctance by some farms to participate in testing. This highlights difficulties in assessing the extent of human infections.
What are the concerns surrounding the potential adaptation of H5N1 to mammals?: Researchers worry that widespread circulation of H5N1 in mammals could lead to the virus adapting better to mammals. While a recent study showed mammal-to-mammal transmission (e.g., cow to cat), no mutations increasing human transmissibility have been detected yet.
What were the findings of the recent CDC study on H5N1 infections in US dairy farm workers?: The study tested 115 blood samples from workers in two states between June and August. Eight tested positive for recent H5N1 infection, with most experiencing mild symptoms or none at all. The virus is believed to transmit primarily through milk.
How many human cases of H5N1 have been reported by the CDC, and why might this be an undercount?: While the CDC reports 46 human cases since April, they acknowledge this likely underrepresents the true number due to mild symptoms, lack of testing, and some farms' unwillingness to participate. The risk to the general population remains low, according to the CDC.

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