Time: 2024-05-17
As the bird flu continues to affect dairy cows in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a new dashboard to assist the public in tracking the proximity of the outbreak to their respective areas.Utilizing data from 600 wastewater sampling sites nationwide, the CDC has developed an interactive map that displays current levels of Influenza A in comparison to the previous flu season. The agency specified that when virus levels reach or exceed the 80th percentile, further investigation will be conducted to determine the reasons behind the escalating cases.
Recent data gathered from wastewater samples indicate that 230 sites in 34 states meet the criteria for Influenza A virus analysis. Notably, three sites in different states, including Saline County in Kansas, Pinellas County in Florida, and Kane County in Illinois, have reported high virus levels surpassing the 80th percentile threshold.
It should be noted that the wastewater monitoring methods used at these sites cannot differentiate between subtypes of Influenza A, such as H5N1 bird flu or seasonal flu viruses. However, the CDC suggests that spikes in Influenza A detection in wastewater samples during non-flu seasons likely indicate a bird flu outbreak in the area.
While wastewater monitoring cannot pinpoint the origin of the Influenza A virus, whether derived from humans, animals, or animal products, the CDC reassures the presence of other surveillance systems to address these limitations.
Since the initial confirmation of bird flu in U.S. dairy cattle on March 25, cases have been reported in 42 herds across nine states. The CDC has monitored over 260 individuals, with a single case identified in a Texas dairy worker as H5N1, who subsequently recovered.
Following the outbreak, the CDC has emphasized that most human infections occur due to close contact with sick birds or their habitats, resulting in a spectrum of illnesses from mild to severe, including death. Despite the low current risk to the general public, the CDC advises caution for those exposed to infected animals.
Although grocery store milk is safe from the virus due to pasteurization, concerns remain about the consumption of raw milk. Both the CDC and FDA discourage the intake of raw milk, citing high H5N1 levels in supplies that could potentially lead to infections.
In light of the ongoing bird flu outbreak, the CDC and FDA recommend stringent measures, especially regarding the consumption of raw milk, to mitigate the risk of contracting the virus. Despite these warnings, reports indicate a surge in raw milk sales since the onset of the outbreak, raising concerns about public health safety.
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