New Bird Flu Strain Rengkat Pertama Di AS

Photo illustration. (Doc. Pexels)

JAKARTA - An elderly person died in Washington, United States (US) due to complications of infection with a new strain of bird flu that has never been reported before in humans, namely H5N5 Avian Influenza. This patient, an elderly person with a comorbidity health condition, has been hospitalized and made it the second human death reported from the bird flu virus in the US. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ensures that risks to the general public remain low.

Citing the CNN International page, Friday, November 22, the Washington State Health Department (DOH) investigation immediately led to the most likely source: a mixed poultry farm in the patient's backyard. DOH finds the bird flu virus in the poultry environment, suggesting that exposure to domestic poultry, its environment, or wild birds is the most likely route of infection. The good news is that all close contacts of patients have been monitored, and so far, no one else has tested positive for bird flu, indicating no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Although bird flu has infected wild birds globally for decades, the latest US outbreak, which began in January 2022, is characterized by a worrying trend: wider spread among mammals compared to previous years. In the US, a total of 70 cases of bird flu in humans have been reported as part of this outbreak, with most cases showing mild symptoms such as red eyes and fever.

Human Case: Generally Occurs In Animal Workers

The majority of cases of bird flu in humans confirmed during this outbreak occurred in individuals who had close contact with animals. To date, 41 cases have been found in workers dealing with livestock and 24 cases in poultry workers. Despite some severe cases, most infections are mild, including this second fatal case. The first case of death previously occurred in January to another elderly with underlying conditions.

In the face of continued risks, the CDC has issued clear recommendations. Anyone who works with animals is advised to wear appropriate and careful protective equipment around animal droppings. In addition, the general public is advised to be careful when cleaning bird dining areas or other areas exposed to bird droppings, and avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife.