Colorado’s first human case of bird flu in 2024 identified

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado officials say a man who was only reporting symptoms of conjunctivitis recently tested positive for avian flu but has recovered.

This would be the fourth human case of bird flu associated with U.S. dairy cows this year, according to health officials. The first was identified in March in Texas, and two more were identified in Michigan.

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This case was regarding an employee at a dairy farm in northeast Colorado with direct exposure to dairy cattle that were infected with avian flu. Northeast Colorado is also where the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected on April 25.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the worker reported his symptoms to state health officials and specimens were forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for additional testing, which were positive for avian flu. The worker was given antiviral treatment with oseltamivir, which follows the CDC’s recommendations, and has since recovered.

CDPHE said the state’s last case of H5N1 in humans was in 2022 after someone was exposed to infected poultry. The virus in humans often presents with flu-like symptoms, such as a cough, congestion, sore throat and watery eyes. Eye symptoms were the only symptoms reported by the first two infected individuals who tested positive.

“The risk to most people remains low. Avian flu viruses are currently spreading among animals, but they are not adapted to spread from person to person,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist with CDPHE, in a release. “Right now, the most important thing to know is that people who have regular exposure to infected animals are at increased risk of infection and should take precautions when they have contact with sick animals.”

H5N1’s spread has since led to 10 dairy facilities being placed under quarantine. The bird-borne virus causes cattle to exhibit signs like low appetite, decreased milk production and abnormal colostrum-like milk.

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According to CDPHE, it is safe to drink pasteurized milk and eat “properly handled and cooked dairy, beef, and poultry products,” because the process kills bacteria and viruses, including avian flu.

“Our partnership with the Colorado Department of Agriculture has been crucial in disseminating information to dairy farmers across the state,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE, in a release. “Coloradans should feel confident that the state is doing everything possible to mitigate the virus.”

The state health agency told Coloradans not to touch dead or sick animals, but if it’s unavoidable:

• Wear personal protective equipment including a N95 respirator, eye protection and gloves

• Wash hands with soap and water afterward

• If there’s no soap and water available, use an alcohol-based hand rub

If you work with dairy cows that may have avian flu and start to feel ill, CDPHE encourages you to call 303-692-2700 during regular business hours, or 303-370-9395 outside of those hours. H5N1 must be reported to the Colorado Veterinarian’s Office. There is also an emergency rule enacted for mandatory testing of lactating dairy cattle moving interstate.

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