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First case of bird flu found in Michigan farmworker, says MDHHS

Published  May 22, 2024 3:43pm EDT
Michigan
FOX 2 Detroit

Corewell Health Infectious Disease head discusses case of bird flu found in Michigan

This virus has been associated with the ongoing multistate outbreak of influenza A (H5N1). Current research suggests this is a sporadic infection, with no associated ongoing spread person-to-person.

LANSING, Mich. (FOX 2) - The first case of influenza A (H5) virus has been identified in a Michigan farmworker who had regular exposure to livestock infected influenza A (H5), according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The H5 virus commonly causes bird flu in humans. the Michigan farmworker diagnosed with influenza A (H5) had mild symptoms and has recovered. To protect farm and farmworker privacy, additional details are not being provided, the department said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control the risk to the public remains low. The virus has been circulating in dairy and poultry farms across the U.S. this spring, and state and local public health officials have been closely monitoring for human cases, which can occur sporadically in individuals with close contact to ill animals.

This virus has been associated with the ongoing multistate outbreak of influenza A (H5N1). Current research suggests this is a sporadic infection, with no associated ongoing spread person-to-person.

The report is the latest in a series of updates from by the state to allow farmworkers to monitor and notify local public health officials should they have symptoms.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has identified both dairy and poultry farms that have tested positive for influenza A (H5N1) in several Michigan counties. Risk is not limited to those geographies as additional detections may be possible.

MDHHS recommends seasonal flu vaccination for people working on poultry or dairy farms. It will not prevent infection with avian influenza viruses, but it can reduce the risk of coinfection with avian and flu viruses.

Since 2022, there have been two previous human cases related to bird and dairy exposure in the U.S. -- one in Colorado in 2022 and one in Texas in 2024.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/influenzaA.

"Michigan has led a swift public health response, and we have been tracking this situation closely since influenza A (H5N1) was detected in poultry and dairy herds in Michigan. Farmworkers who have been exposed to impacted animals have been asked to report even mild symptoms, and testing for the virus has been made available," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "The current health risk to the general public remains low. This virus is being closely monitored, and we have not seen signs of sustained human-to-human transmission at this point. This is exactly how public health is meant to work, in early detection and monitoring of new and emerging illnesses."

MDHHS and local health departments continue to work closely with the MDARD, farms and workers to conduct monitoring of the health of people exposed to ill animals.

"Since the first detection of influenza A (H5N1) in dairy cattle on March 29, Michigan has prioritized both the animal and human health aspects of this disease outbreak. Today’s news underscores the continued importance of limiting nonessential farm visits, including farm tours and field trips, as well as the use of personal protective equipment when working with livestock," said MDARD Director Tim Boring.

An epidemiological team from USDA is also deployed to further assist in tracing and testing within dairy herds to be able to provide real-time information.
Director Boring has taken proactive actions by signing an "Determination of Extraordinary Emergency" order Wednesday, May 1, which further protects Michigan's poultry and livestock industries from the ongoing threat of influenza A (H5N1). Michigan's order enhances USDA's federal order, which was issued Wednesday, April 24.

MDARD continues to implement a proactive, science-based approach to mitigating the spread of influenza A (H5N1). Michigan's response to influenza A (H5N1) has been a one-health approach, working with federal, state and local partners to address animal and public health concerns rapidly. Three U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) emergency management teams have been on the ground assisting MDARD in day-to-day responses at all impacted poultry facilities statewide.