Bird flu pandemic warning update as scientists admit patient with no animal exposure 'shared contact with similar case'
Scientists have issued a fresh bird flu warning
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A suspected bird flu patient with no exposure to animals has “shared contact” in a similar case as experts issue a fresh warning.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that 14 human cases of H5 virus infection have been recorded in the US since April.
Four cases were associated with exposure to sick dairy cows and nine through virus-infected poultery.
A case in Missouri suggested shared exposure could explain a case in the Show-Me State.
Scientists have issued a fresh bird flu warningGetty Images“Missouri continues to lead the investigation into the H5 case reported last week with technical assistance from CDC in Atlanta,” CDC’s latest update said.
“The case was in a person who was hospitalised as a result of significant underlying medical conditions.
“They presented with chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and weakness.
“The person was not severely ill, nor were they in the intensive care unit.
“They were treated with influenza antiviral medications, subsequently discharged, and have since recovered.
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H5N1 bird flu viruses could gain the ability to spread through the respiratory routeGetty Images“One household contact of the patient became ill with similar symptoms on the same day as the case, was not tested, and has since recovered.
“The simultaneous development of symptoms does not support person-to-person spread but suggests a common exposure.
“Also shared by Missouri, subsequently, a second close contact of the case – a health care worker – developed mild symptoms and tested negative for flu.
“A 10-day follow-up period has since passed, and no additional cases have been found. There is no epidemiologic evidence to support person-to-person transmission of H5 at this time.”
The world could face another pandemic if H5N1 bird flu undergoes a 'single mutation change', warns an immunologistGetty Images The case comes just days after GB News reported the first case without any known animal exposure.
A Missouri resident was hospitalised before recovering from an unknown work-related exposure.
However, CDC did not record any known animal exposure.
Dr Kruitka Kuppali, a spokesperson for the Infectious Disease Society of American and former World Health Organisation officer, told the Daily Mail: “This is how pandemics start.”
Dr Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health, added: “When health authorities aren't transparent, it can cause problems.
“If people don't get clear information, they might not know what symptoms to look for, what actions to avoid, or how to protect themselves.
“This can cause confusion, spread false information, and create unnecessary fear, making it harder to deal with a potential health threat.
“Health officials need to share clear and accurate information quickly to prevent outbreaks and keep people’s trust.”