The Michigan dairy farm where H5N1 avian influenza strain was detected.
A dairy farmworker in Michigan has contracted an H5N1 avian influenza strain, raising concerns about airborne transmission and potential pandemic risks. While two workers exhibited mild symptoms in May 2024 and recovered, research shows that the virus can infect mammals and spread through the air, urging health officials to advocate for enhanced surveillance and biosecurity measures. The CDC currently states that the risk to the general public remains low, but vigilance is advised as avian influenza adapts to mammalian hosts.
Michigan – A dairy farmworker in Michigan has been infected with a strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that has the potential for airborne transmission. This case has raised alarm regarding the possibility of this virus becoming a catalyst for a new pandemic.
The H5N1 virus, known predominantly for its effects on birds, has shown a troubling trend of spilling over into various mammal species, including cats, skunks, raccoons, opossums, rodents, and bears. It was first detected in dairy cows in 2024 before it transmitted to humans.
In May 2024, two dairy farmworkers in Michigan contracted the virus. The first individual reported symptoms limited to conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, while the second exhibited upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as a cough without fever, along with eye discomfort and watery discharge. Fortunately, both workers recovered from their infections.
Subsequent research indicated that the strain identified from an eye swab of one infected worker belongs to clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13. Findings from this study have been published in the peer-reviewed journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, which is managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As part of the research, scientists conducted experiments involving ferrets, which serve as a reliable model for influenza studies due to their similar respiratory systems to humans. Infected ferrets demonstrated moderate illness, experiencing an average weight loss of nearly 10%, alongside symptoms like fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, and sneezing. Notably, all ferrets that had direct contact with infected ferrets became infected within a week. Additionally, airborne transmission capabilities were demonstrated, as 50% of ferrets that inhaled respiratory droplets from infected ferrets also developed the virus.
Samples captured daily from the infected ferrets confirmed the presence of airborne virus particles, highlighting the potential for this strain to spread through the air. This capability adds to concerns among health officials and researchers about the ongoing threat posed by H5N1 viruses.
Since 2022, there have been approximately 70 confirmed and probable human cases of bird flu in the United States, including one case in Louisiana that resulted in death. Notably, despite the incidence of human infections, there have been no documented cases of human-to-human transmission of H5N1 to date.
The CDC maintains that, as of now, the overall risk to the average American is low, although individuals working closely with animals, such as farm and zoo workers, are at a higher risk. Despite the current low risk, experts are calling for continued vigilance. The Global Virus Network has underscored the necessity of preparing for potential H5N1 pandemics by advocating for enhanced surveillance and biosecurity measures.
The emergence of this H5N1 strain in dairy farmworkers serves as a crucial reminder of the need for ongoing risk assessments as avian influenza viruses adapt to mammalian hosts. Health professionals are emphasizing the significance of early detection strategies to mitigate any potential outbreak.
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