From NBC Universal: 2024-05-24 19:09:44

Health officials in the U.S. are monitoring bird flu in humans as the H5N1 strain is detected in dairy cows and two individuals in nine states. While the risk to the public remains low, the government is preparing by stockpiling nearly 5 million doses of vaccines amid fears of a potential outbreak.

The latest case of bird flu in a dairy farm worker in Michigan is noted as a rare occurrence, with no evidence of spread from person to person. The U.S. government is confident in its current vaccine candidates for H5N1 and is in talks with mRNA vaccine makers for potential solutions.

CDC surveillance systems are actively monitoring the situation to detect any signs of unusual influenza activity, focusing on areas with confirmed cases of H5N1 in animals or humans. While there are antiviral drugs available for treatment, the logistical challenges of diagnosing bird flu, especially for farm workers, present obstacles to effective containment and treatment efforts.



Read more at NBC Universal: What to know about human cases, vaccines