Iowa has reported its first human case of bird flu during the current outbreak, according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. The individual, who was exposed to infected poultry while working with a commercial flock in northwest Iowa, is recovering from mild symptoms.
There have been 64 confirmed cases in nine states since the outbreak began in 2022, with all attributed to exposure to infected poultry or dairy cattle. So far, one case in Louisiana has been severe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise people handling infected birds to wear protective gear and avoid direct contact with sick animals.
Iowa is a major producer of eggs and turkeys, and recent tests have detected the virus in laying hens and turkeys after months without detections. The outbreak is believed to be transmitted by wild birds, primarily affecting northwest Iowa. This case marks the first reported instance of bird flu in Iowa during this outbreak period.
Source: https://eu.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/agriculture/2024/12/20/iowa-poultry-worker-diagnosed-with-bird-flu-in-states-first-case/77114857007