Bird flu, first possible outbreak in humans in Missouri

A minimum of eight individuals have tested positive for the avian influenza virus following contact with the patient, designated as ‘case zero’, in the state of Missouri. The man contracted the disease without having had contact with infected birds and subsequently transmitted the disease to other people during diagnosis, as reported by the New York Times, which in turn quoted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The confirmation of a positive result for the H5N1 virus is still pending. If confirmed, this would represent the first documented instance of person-to-person transmission of the virus within the United States, suggesting that the virus may now have become capable of transferring between individuals. The news, although still under investigation, has nevertheless prompted concern among experts. Analyses of wastewater in various locations within the United States have revealed the presence of the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus. Consequently, leading experts have advised relevant authorities to implement the required analytical procedures and preventive measures. So far, no deaths related to H5N1 bird flu have been reported in the US.