by A recent report published in the New England Journal of Medicine on May 3, 2024, details the only known human case of H5N1 avian flu linked to the ongoing outbreak among dairy cows in Texas. The case, involving an unnamed dairy farm worker, resulted in a mild form of the disease, specifically conjunctivitis.
Although bird flu in humans is an infrequent occurrence, with fewer than 1,000 documented cases worldwide over the past few years, approximately half of these cases have been fatal. This statistic heightens concerns among scientists regarding the potential emergence of a highly contagious human strain of bird flu.
The Texas man, a dairy farm worker, experienced a fortunate outcome: His H5N1 infection manifested as a mild case of conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye. This condition, characterized by inflammation and redness of the eyes, typically does not affect vision.
The medical team, led by Dr. Timothy Uyeki from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and Dr. Scott Milton from the Texas Department of State Health Services, described the case in the report. In late March 2024, the dairy farm worker began experiencing redness and discomfort in his right eye.
Upon examination, the medical professionals diagnosed what initially appeared to be a standard case of conjunctivitis. However, further testing revealed the presence of the H5N1 avian flu virus. The man received antibiotic treatment, and his condition improved.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing safety measures on farms to minimize the risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases, such as avian flu, for farm workers
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
