Colorado faces presumptive human bird flu cases, CDC raises red flag

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Friday that Colorado has reported three presumptive cases of H5 bird flu virus infection among poultry workers. This alarming news comes as part of a wider outbreak of H5N1 bird flu, which has been spreading globally and affecting not only wild birds but also poultry and various mammal species.

The three affected individuals, who were involved in culling infected poultry at a facility experiencing an H5N1 outbreak, exhibited mild symptoms, including conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye) and other respiratory infection symptoms. Thankfully, none of the individuals required hospitalization.

State epidemiologists have indicated that the infections appear to have been contracted through direct contact with infected poultry. Preliminary testing by Colorado health officials suggests that the individuals were infected with a novel type of influenza and are presumed to have contracted bird flu. These samples have been forwarded to the CDC for confirmatory testing.

In response to these cases, the CDC has dispatched a team to Colorado to support the ongoing investigation. Despite the concerning nature of these infections, the CDC has reassured the public that the overall risk to the general population remains low.

“Human infections with H5N1 avian flu are particularly concerning due to the potential for severe disease and the risk of a pandemic if the virus mutates to spread efficiently among humans,” CDC said

The agency highlighted that there are no signs of unexpected increases in flu activity in Colorado or other states affected by H5 bird flu outbreaks.

The cases in Colorado are part of a broader international outbreak of H5N1 bird flu. This outbreak has been noted for its extensive reach, affecting not only avian species but also causing outbreaks in U.S. dairy cows—a concerning development that requires close monitoring and swift action.

The CDC has underscored the importance of avoiding close, prolonged, or unprotected exposure to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, and other domesticated animals. Additionally, the public is advised to steer clear of unprotected exposure to animal feces, litter, unpasteurized or raw milk, or materials contaminated by animals suspected or confirmed to have bird flu.

The CDC’s ongoing investigation will provide critical insights into whether current guidance needs to be updated. Analyzing the virus sequences from this outbreak will be pivotal in determining if a reassessment of the risk is necessary.