
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reported the first human case of avian influenza in the state on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.
According to the department, the person was exposed to infected poultry while working with a commercial flock in northwest Iowa. The individual reported mild symptoms, has received appropriate treatment and is recovering, the department noted.
The case was identified through testing at the State Hygienic Laboratory and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Iowa has previously reported multiple cases of bird flu in both poultry flocks and dairy herds.
Nationwide, 64 human cases of bird flu have been reported in nine states, according to the CDC, including one considered severe in Louisiana, with the patient hospitalized in critical condition.
Read more from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services:
The majority of exposures are linked to infected poultry or dairy cows. There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) is occurring in the U.S.
Although human infections are rare, the virus is spread through prolonged exposure around infected flocks and herds, through the eyes, nose or mouth. Any individuals with direct contact who develop flu-like symptoms or an eye infection should contact their doctor. To reduce the risk of infection or spread, people in direct contact with exposed animals should wear proper PPE and avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals, including birds.
“Iowa has monitored the spread of avian influenza closely since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is prepared with the established knowledge, strong partnerships, and effective tools to mitigate its impact on our community,” said Iowa HHS State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse.
There is no concern about the safety of eggs and poultry products or pasteurized milk and dairy products. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk.
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