The Missouri bird flu patient had no known contact with dairy cows and was hospitalized last month.
Another health care worker who was in contact with the Missouri patient who tested positive for H5N1 bird flu also developed respiratory symptoms but was not tested, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
According to news reports, the Missouri bird flu patient had no known contact with dairy cows and was hospitalized last month when he tested positive for the virus. Doctors say the person suffered from serious underlying conditions but has since recovered.
Last week, the CDC reported that a health care worker who cared for the patient developed mild respiratory symptoms and tested negative for influenza. In addition, another person who lived with the Missouri patient also reported becoming ill around the same time with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Initially, Dr. Nirav Shah, the CDC’s principal deputy director, had stated on a call with reporters last week that none of the patient’s close contacts were showing signs or symptoms of illness, calling the situation a possible “single case.” All three contacts have since been identified.
However, it is still unclear whether they were sick with the bird flu virus.
Blood samples were collected from all suspected patients.
CDC has collected blood samples from the Missouri patient and his regular contact. The agency will conduct serologic testing to confirm prior H5N1 infection.
According to authorities, since the first bird flu was detected in March of this year, 213 dairy herds have tested positive in 14 states. However, none of the herds have been detected in Missouri.
While it is not yet clear how the Missouri patient contracted H5N1, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says the patient and household contact were not exposed to sick cows, birds or other animals, or to raw milk.
What are the signs and symptoms of bird flu?
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is usually transmitted among birds, but can sometimes also be transmitted to humans. In addition to severe respiratory symptoms, other signs of infection include:
- High fever
- Fatigue
- Cough and cold
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Conjunctivitis or pink eye
- Shortness of breath
While most of the time not dangerous to humans, H5N1 can cause serious illnesses such as:
- Pneumonia
- Acute respiratory distress
- Bacterial infections
- Septicemia
- Brain swelling
- Respiratory disease
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