CDC Investigates Unusual Missouri Bird Flu Case

The CDC is investigating how a person in Missouri contracted bird flu, marking the 14th U.S. case this year. While previous cases involved farm workers, this infection's origin remains unclear. The patient was hospitalized with severe symptoms, and the CDC continues to probe the incident.

Epidemiologists are working to determine how a Missouri resident contracted bird flu, reported the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday.

This marks the 14th human case diagnosed in the U.S. this year, with the previous 13 cases linked to farm workers exposed to bird flu outbreaks on poultry or dairy farms. The affected individual in Missouri was hospitalized, exhibiting symptoms such as chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to CDC principal deputy director Nirav Shah.

Authorities remain uncertain whether the patient's symptoms were due to underlying conditions or the flu itself. Current evidence suggests this is an isolated incident, and the CDC is continuing its investigation to rule out connections to the widespread bird flu affecting over 200 dairy herds in 14 states since March, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(With inputs from agencies.)