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State's first human case of bird flu linked to Northwest Iowa flock

By Dolly A. Butz

State's first human case of bird flu linked to Northwest Iowa flock

DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reported the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, known as HPAI or bird flu, in the state on Friday.

According to a statement from Iowa HHS, the individual was exposed to infected poultry while working with a commercial flock in Northwest Iowa.

"The individual reported mild symptoms, has received appropriate treatment and is recovering," the statement of the case, which was identified through testing at the State Hygienic Laboratory and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of December 20, the CDC has reported 64 confirmed human cases of H5 HPAI across nine states. The majority of the exposures are linked to infected poultry or dairy cows.

"There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) is occurring in the U.S.," the statement said.

Although human infections are rare, the virus is spread through prolonged exposure around infected flocks and herds, through the eyes, nose or mouth.

Any individuals with direct contact who develop flu-like symptoms or an eye infection should contact their doctor. To reduce the risk of infection or spread, people in direct contact with exposed animals should wear proper PPE and avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals, including birds.

"Iowa has monitored the spread of avian influenza closely since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is prepared with the established knowledge, strong partnerships, and effective tools to mitigate its impact on our community," Iowa HHS State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse said in the statement.

The statement said there is "no concern about the safety of eggs and poultry products or pasteurized milk and dairy products." Consumers are reminded to always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk, according to the statement.

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