What to Know
- Four new presumed cases of bird flu in farmworkers in Washington state bring the US total to 31.
- The risk that the virus will mutate to spread easily between people is low, but experts say ongoing transmission in cows is worrisome.
- The arrival of flu season brings added risks, as viruses can swap genetic material if two infect a host at once.
Four New Cases of Avian Influenza in Washington State
Four new cases of avian influenza were detected in farmworkers in Washington state this week, the latest in a drumbeat of human infections cropping up across the US as the virus continues to spread among farm animals. Washington is the sixth state to report human cases of bird flu, which has spread rampantly in wild birds, poultry, and cattle.
Flu Experts Warn of Ongoing Risk
Flu experts said the risk of a broader outbreak among humans will continue to simmer if the virus remains uncontrolled in animals. "The longer this virus hangs out in the environment, the more animals it spills over into, the more it changes in ways we don’t understand or predict, the more concerned we are going to be that this becomes the next global pandemic," said Dr. Amber Itle, Washington state veterinarian.
Lack of Evidence of Human Transmission
For now, however, health officials maintain that the virus has not made key genetic changes that would allow it to spread between people. "There is no evidence of any sustained human transmission. And that is a key milestone for all of us. It’s a key trigger for all of us. That’s when we really start to say, ‘Oh, something that’s markedly different about this virus,’" Dr. Umair Shah, Washington’s health secretary.
Concerns for Farmworkers
The virus is a growing concern for farmworkers on the front lines. The four latest cases were among workers who had culled birds at a commercial egg farm where an outbreak of avian influenza was reported in chickens. Shah said the workers were part of a contract crew tasked with depopulating all chickens at the farm in Franklin County, in southeastern Washington, which had more than 800,000 birds. Itle said the workers wore full protective equipment: suits made of Tyvek, goggles, and respirators.
Mutability of the Virus
However, the virus’s spread in cows for the past 10 months has raised experts’ level of concern because cows are mammals and interact with humans frequently, increasing the likelihood the virus could mutate to pass from person to person.
Preparation for Flu Season
As the US prepares for flu season, when circulation of common influenza viruses increases in fall and winter, the possibility of the virus swapping genetic material with seasonal flu viruses is a concern. "You don’t want people affected with the seasonal flu virus to get a virus from animals and for those viruses to potentially recombine," said Dr. Peter Rabinowitz, a professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington and the director of its Center for One Health Research.
Conclusion
The new cases in Washington state are a reminder of the ongoing risk of bird flu transmission to humans, particularly for farmworkers. As the virus continues to spread among animals, it is crucial to prioritize the safety of those on the front lines and take steps to mitigate the risk of transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many human cases of bird flu have been reported in the US?
A: At least 31 cases have been reported.
Q: What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
A: Mild respiratory symptoms and conjunctivitis (pink eye) have been reported.
Q: Can the virus spread between people?
A: The risk of sustained human transmission is currently low, but experts warn that ongoing transmission in cows is worrisome.
Q: How can farmworkers be protected?
A: Wearing protective equipment, including suits, goggles, and respirators, is crucial. Getting flu shots is also important.
Q: What is the risk of the virus muting to spread between people?
A: Low, but experts are concerned about the potential for the virus to mutate in the presence of seasonal flu viruses.
