Colorado, 10 human cases of H5 avian influenza

The Colorado State Department of Public Health has reported nine cases of H5 avian influenza among poultry farm workers. A dairy worker was also diagnosed in early July, marking the state’s first case of the year. Health officials have not detected any transmission within the general population, and the risk remains low due to no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The food supply is still safe, states Scott Bookman, the senior Director for Public Health Preparedness and Response at the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Despite the minimal risk to individuals without direct contact with infected animals, addressing the virus remains a critical public and animal health priority, says Mrs. Maggie Baldwin, Colorado State Veterinarian. The Department of Public Health has announced the upcoming launch of a new website that provides information on avian influenza in humans within the next few days.