Missouri Reports First Human Case of H5 Avian Influenza Without Known Animal Exposure
In a significant development, the United States has recorded its first case of H5 avian influenza in a Missouri resident who had no known exposure to a sick animal. This information was confirmed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday.
According to the CDC, “This is the 14th human case of H5 reported in the United States during 2024 and the first case of H5 without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals.” The case is also notable as it was detected through the country’s national flu surveillance system rather than through the targeted surveillance typically applied to the ongoing bird flu outbreak in animals.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is currently investigating the case. Reports indicate that the individual, who had underlying medical conditions, was hospitalized on August 22. After testing positive for influenza A, the patient received antiviral treatment and has since recovered and returned home.
While there are no reported cases of avian influenza among cattle in Missouri, there have been outbreaks of the virus among poultry in the state.
The CDC has assessed the risk of H5N1 for the general public as low, emphasizing ongoing monitoring and safety measures.
