In a significant development, Wyoming has reported its first human case of H5N1 avian influenza.
The patient, an older woman from Platte County, is currently hospitalized out-of-state.
Health officials believe she contracted the virus through direct contact with an infected poultry flock at her residence.
The woman has pre-existing health conditions that may have increased her susceptibility to severe illness.
This case marks the third H5N1-related hospitalization in the United States.
Since April 2024, approximately 70 human infections have been reported nationwide, primarily among individuals with direct exposure to infected animals, such as farm workers.
Despite these incidents, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the risk to the general public remains low, as there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
The H5N1 virus has been spreading among wild birds in the U.S. since 2022 and was first detected in dairy cows last year, leading to outbreaks in 16 states.
While most human cases in the U.S. have been mild, the Wyoming patient’s condition is more severe, underscoring the potential risks associated with the virus.
In response to the ongoing avian flu outbreak, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has conditionally approved a vaccine developed by Zoetis for use in poultry.
This measure aims to curb the spread of the virus among bird populations and reduce the risk of transmission to humans.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advise individuals who have contact with poultry or wild birds to take appropriate precautions, including wearing protective equipment and practicing good hygiene, to minimize the risk of infection.
