United States: The CDC now advises testing for bird flu in humans exposed to infected animals, regardless of whether they show symptoms, as concerns grow about asymptomatic cases.
Details of the Update
This shift in testing guidelines comes as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) increases testing of milk for bird flu, following outbreaks affecting nearly 450 dairy farms across 15 states since March.
Easier Human-to-Human Spread?
Although the CDC has not identified any new mutations that would make the virus more easily transmissible between humans, officials remain cautious.
Since April, the CDC has confirmed 46 human cases, but farm workers fear the real number may be higher due to underreporting or mild symptoms. Many workers, worried about job loss or economic impact, avoid testing.
Specimens of the virus have been stated to documentary evidence to be in circulation and researchers caution that chances of the virus hopping over to humans with more ease can lead to a pandemic.
According to Nirav Shah, CDC’s principal deputy director, “There may be individuals who were infected with H5 but who do not recall having symptoms. That means that we in public health need to cast a wider net in terms of who is offered a test,” Reuters reported.
A study on 115 dairy farm workers in Michigan and Colorado, who were exposed to infected cows with H5N1 bird flu, showed that 7 percent had antibodies that pointed to prior infections, though only half of the group remembered having flu symptoms, a CDC report released Thursday said.
The cross-sectional serological survey conducted between June and August revealed presence of antibodies to the virus among eight workers in direct contact with milking and cleaning of milking parlors.
The CDC is also recommending that workers with high risk exposures to sick animals be given the antiviral drug Tamiflu and broadening its guidelines covering protective gear for employees, especially protective eyewear.