Officials reported Thursday that a Colorado inmate tested positive for avian flu, marking the first confirmed case in the United States from the current global pandemic.
The danger to the public is low, according to state health experts, because person-to-person transmission of the H5N1 avian flu is uncommon.
The individual had been in touch with sick birds while working in a pre-release program at a commercial poultry farm in Montrose County, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health.
A positive test resulted from a nasal swab test earlier this week. The CDC verified the result on Thursday.
In the United States, there have been no additional verified human instances of the new strain.
The afflicted individual, who is under the age of 40, is asymptomatic and just complains of weariness. He is being quarantined while he heals.
According to CDPH, the afflicted flock was euthanized and disposed of.
After a person in the UK caught the virus after coming into touch with infected birds in January, the convict is the second guy in the world to be afflicted with this strain of the influenza.
According to the agency, avian influenza has been found in both wild and domestic birds.
“We want Coloradans to know that the risk to them is minimal.” As we continue to monitor this virus and safeguard all Coloradans, I am grateful for the smooth coordination between the CDC, Department of Corrections, Department of Agriculture, and CDPHE,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
To avoid contracting the virus, experts recommend avoiding contact with dead or sick birds, as well as places where bird excrement is prevalent.
