Missouri’s first case of bird flu confirmed by the CDC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) confirms that there has been a human case of bird flu (avian influenza A) detected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services ( DHSS ).

This is the first human case detected in the state, and DHSS claims the threat to the general public remains low.

DHSS says that the case was identified through its ongoing influenza surveillance program.

The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory received a specimen from a patient who had been hospitalized on August 22. This patient had underlying conditions and tested positive for influenza A. They also reported no exposure to animals. The patient then recovered and was sent home.

The laboratory then conducted more tests to determine the influenza subtype. While completing these tests, the H5 subtype, also known as bird flu, was detected. The specimen was then sent to the CDC for additional testing, and the H5 subtype was confirmed.

The H5 subtype is usually found in wild birds, poultry and recently dairy cows. It can occasionally infect humans who have had close contact with infected animals or environments.

This is the 15th case reported in the U.S. since 2022, no infection has been reported in dairy cows, but cases in birds and poultry have been reported.

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