The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday confirmed a human case of avian influenza A reported by the state of Missouri.
The agency said the case was identified through that state’s seasonal flu surveillance system.
The CDC confirmed the case on Thursday, adding that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is investigating the potential exposure.
The patient, who was hospitalized, had underlying medical conditions and was treated with influenza antiviral medications. The patient was subsequently discharged and has recovered.
There is no immediate known animal exposure and no ongoing transmission among close contacts or otherwise has been identified.
This is the 14th human case of H5 reported in the United States during 2024 and the first case of H5 without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals.
While other novel flu cases have been detected through the country’s national flu surveillance system, the CDC said this is the first time the system has detected a case of H5.
H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.
While, outbreaks of H5 have been reported in commercial and backyard poultry flocks in 2024, outbreaks in cattle have not been reported in Missouri.
Missouri’s last reported case of bird flu in a commercial poultry flock was in February, according to USDA.
