A recent report reveals that 7% of dairy farm workers in Michigan and Colorado tested positive for H5N1 bird flu following exposure during outbreaks in dairy cows. The CDC has updated its guidelines to protect workers, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
A new report revealed that 7% of dairy farm workers in Michigan and Colorado tested positive for H5N1 bird flu after exposure during outbreaks among dairy cows. Published on November 19, 2024, the findings show that eight out of 115 workers had evidence of infection, with several not reporting common symptoms of the disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has been closely monitoring the situation. While no person-to-person transmission has been detected, the findings have led to updated guidelines aimed at protecting workers from further exposure.
The dairy workers, who had close contact with infected cows, were part of a larger effort to track and control the spread of the virus. The affected dairy herds are predominantly in California, where 440 herds across 15 U.S. states have been reported as infected since April 2024.
CDC officials have emphasized the importance of preventive measures, including avoiding contact with sick or dead animals and using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling potentially infected animals. They also urged against consuming raw milk, as pasteurization kills the virus.
While H5N1 infections have been confirmed in 44 individuals across the U.S., the CDC reassured the public that the immediate risk to the general population remains low, as there have been no confirmed cases of person-to-person spread. However, farm workers, particularly those in California, remain at higher risk due to direct exposure to infected animals.
The CDC continues to monitor the outbreak closely and is working with state and local health departments to contain the spread of H5N1. As the situation evolves, the CDC is advising farm workers to adhere to updated safety protocols to reduce the risk of further infections.
