First Human Case of Bird Flu Confirmed in Nevada Farm Worker

Nevada reported its first human case of bird flu in a farm worker exposed to infected dairy cattle, marking an extension of the U.S. outbreak. The worker is recovering, and authorities state no person-to-person spread has been observed. A second bird flu strain was detected in Nevada's cattle.

Nevada has reported its first human case of bird flu involving a farm worker who came into contact with infected dairy cattle, the Central Nevada Health District announced on Monday. This development follows the discovery of a second virus strain affecting cows in the region.

This case is part of a broader U.S. outbreak of the H5N1 virus that has impacted nearly 70 individuals, primarily farm workers, since April. The outbreak has led to decreased milk production and soaring egg prices due to the decimation of millions of layers. Despite these challenges, the affected Nevada worker is on the mend, recovering from conjunctivitis otherwise known as pink eye. Authorities have reassured the public, stating there is no current evidence of human-to-human transmission, with the CDC maintaining that bird flu remains a low public risk.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture identified another bird flu strain, labeled D1.1, in Nevada's dairy cattle, intensifying concerns about the outbreak. This strain, prevalent among wild birds in prior seasons, has also made its way into poultry populations. Tragically, a patient in Louisiana succumbed to the disease after contracting the D1.1 genotype.

(With inputs from agencies.)