Five poultry workers at a commercial egg farm in northeast Colorado have contracted bird flu, according to state and federal health officials. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed four cases of H5N1, commonly known as avian influenza, with a fifth case presumptively positive and awaiting confirmation. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) announced the infections on Sunday, attributing the cases to exposure while working at a farm experiencing an outbreak of the H5N1 virus.

Ongoing Outbreaks and Human Cases

Since March, there have been four confirmed human cases of bird flu in the United States, all among farmworkers. These cases include two in Michigan, one in Texas, and one in Colorado. In the most recent Colorado case, a farmworker developed pink eye after direct contact with infected cattle, as reported by the CDPHE.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported bird flu outbreaks in 152 cattle herds so far this year, indicating the widespread nature of the virus. The CDC has emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, noting no unexpected increases in flu activity in Colorado or other states affected by H5 bird flu outbreaks in cows and poultry.

Public Health Risks and Preventive Measures

Despite the low risk to the public, the CDC remains concerned about human infections with this novel influenza virus due to its potential to cause severe disease. Federal health officials are closely monitoring the situation and considering the deployment of 4.8 million doses of bird flu vaccine. Last month, Finland announced plans to offer vaccinations to workers who might be exposed to the virus, highlighting the global attention on this issue.

The CDC continues to investigate and monitor bird flu cases in humans, emphasizing the importance of precautionary measures for those working in close contact with infected animals. The agency advises poultry farmworkers and those handling poultry to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and practice good hygiene to minimize the risk of infection.

The recent bird flu cases among poultry workers in Colorado underline the importance of vigilance and preventive measures in managing avian influenza outbreaks. While the risk to the general public remains low, the potential for severe disease warrants ongoing monitoring and preparedness by health authorities.