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Undetected H5N1 Infections in US Dairy Farms
The CDC reports a high number of undetected H5N1 infections among US dairy farm workers, though human-to-human transmission is yet to be proven. The virus appears to primarily spread via cow's milk.
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Germany
HealthPublic HealthH5N1Avian FluAnimal HealthViral Transmission
Cdc
- Why is there likely a high number of unreported H5N1 cases in dairy farm workers?
- A high number of unreported cases is likely due to mild symptoms in workers and some farms' unwillingness to participate in testing, resulting in an underestimation of the actual infection numbers.
- What is the current global situation regarding H5N1 in wild birds and mammals, and what concerns exist?
- H5N1 is widespread among wild birds and several wild mammals globally, but the extent of the spread is unknown due to insufficient data. Researchers worry about potential adaptation of the virus to mammals due to increased circulation.
- What percentage of dairy farm workers tested positive for H5N1 after the virus was found in their cows?
- The CDC reported a 7% infection rate among dairy farm workers in the US who had been tested after the H5N1 avian flu virus was detected in their cows.
- How is the H5N1 virus primarily thought to be transmitted in this scenario, and what is the current assessment of risk to the general public?
- The main transmission route for H5N1 in this case seems to be through cow's milk, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission yet. The CDC assures the public risk is currently low.
- Has there been any evidence of H5N1 mutations that would increase human-to-human transmission, and what evidence is there of mammal-to-mammal transmission?
- While a study showed mammal-to-mammal transmission, including between different species like cows and cats, mutations improving H5N1 human-to-human transmissibility haven't been observed yet.