US officials reported four new cases of bird flu on Monday, bringing the total to eight. All four infected individuals are farm workers at the same poultry farm, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This latest news comes during a troubling outbreak of the virus among cattle, which has also resulted in human infections. Another case is suspected but still needs confirmation.
The CDC reassured that the risk to the general American population remains low. The infected workers experienced symptoms such as conjunctivitis and flu-like illness.
An outbreak of bird flu was first detected in the US in spring. A notable aspect of this outbreak is its spread to cattle, initially affecting poultry and birds. The first case of human infection via cattle was reported on April 1 in Texas. Two more cases followed in Michigan, and in early July, another case emerged in Colorado.
Colorado is now witnessing the virus spreading among both livestock and poultry. Experts are worried about the increasing number of mammals contracting the disease, although human cases are still rare. There is concern that a high rate of transmission could facilitate a mutation of the virus, making it transmissible between humans.
The CDC reiterated its advice for precautions among workers who come into contact with infected cows or poultry.
