Is a new bird flu strain on the horizon? First human case from a dairy worker discovered.
- Replies 0
The specter of a new health crisis looms as a dairy worker becomes the first human to contract a novel strain of the bird flu, sparking concerns about the potential for a fresh epidemic.
The GrayVine community, particularly those with a knack for staying informed on public health matters, should take note of this development.
It's a reminder that even as we age, vigilance against infectious diseases remains crucial. Should you be worried about getting infected?
In the tranquil expanses of Churchill County, a dairy worker's routine was disrupted by an unwelcome diagnosis–infection with the D1.1 strain of the H5N1 avian influenza.
This marks Nevada's first human case of this bird flu variant, as confirmed by the Central Nevada Health District. The worker's exposure to the virus occurred in the course of their duties, working alongside dairy cattle that had been infected.
The D1.1 strain, distinct from the one causing recent egg shortages and price surges, was first identified in dairy cattle on January 31.
Prior to this incident, the B3.13 strain had been the sole culprit in dairy herd infections up until January 2025. The US Department of Agriculture also confirmed that the new variant used to only infect wild birds since late 2023 or early 2024.
At present, there are no additional confirmed human cases in Nevada and no evidence that humans can infect other humans, as per the state’s health district.
Officials are monitoring the symptoms of the infected worker and offered testing, antiviral medication, and personal protective equipment to other farm staff.
The D1.1 variant, previously known only in wild birds, has now crossed species barriers, infecting both dairy cattle and humans. This includes the Nevada dairy worker and a 13-year-old girl in Canada.
Despite this, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the D1.1 strain poses a low health risk to the general public. However, those in frequent contact with birds, poultry, or cows face a heightened risk.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture has suggested that migratory starlings, common winter visitors, may have introduced the virus into the state. This theory underscores the unpredictable nature of infectious diseases and the importance of monitoring animal migrations and patterns.
Source: Nevada Department of Wildlife / Facebook.
The D1.1 strain's impact on human health became tragically clear when a chronically ill, elderly Louisiana patient succumbed to the virus. This marked the first and only reported US human death from the bird flu.
The patient, over 65 with underlying health conditions, contracted the virus from a backyard flock. Additionally, a Canadian teenager with mild asthma was hospitalized due to the virus, as reported by the New England Journal of Medicine.
Source: NBC News / Youtube.
Globally, since 2003, the World Health Organization has recorded 950 human cases of bird flu, with nearly half resulting in fatalities. Yet, most human cases present mild symptoms, such as eye infections.
The H5N1 avian influenza has been a known entity since 1997, initially confined to wild bird populations.
Its recent spillover into domestic animals and humans signals a worrying shift in the virus's behavior.
The best defense against bird flu is minimizing exposure. Health experts recommend avoiding direct contact with wild birds and animals suspected of carrying the virus.
Amidst these concerns, the USDA assures that eggs, chicken meat, and beef remain safe to consume when cooked to proper temperatures.
Source: FOX 32 Chicago / Youtube.
While the commercial milk supply undergoes regular testing to ensure safety, the USDA advises against raw milk, which has been linked to the virus in some instances.
Also read: US hit with first severe bird flu case—is this a growing threat?
Have you taken any precautions in light of this news? Do you have any questions or insights about bird flu and its implications? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
The GrayVine community, particularly those with a knack for staying informed on public health matters, should take note of this development.
It's a reminder that even as we age, vigilance against infectious diseases remains crucial. Should you be worried about getting infected?
In the tranquil expanses of Churchill County, a dairy worker's routine was disrupted by an unwelcome diagnosis–infection with the D1.1 strain of the H5N1 avian influenza.
This marks Nevada's first human case of this bird flu variant, as confirmed by the Central Nevada Health District. The worker's exposure to the virus occurred in the course of their duties, working alongside dairy cattle that had been infected.
The D1.1 strain, distinct from the one causing recent egg shortages and price surges, was first identified in dairy cattle on January 31.
Prior to this incident, the B3.13 strain had been the sole culprit in dairy herd infections up until January 2025. The US Department of Agriculture also confirmed that the new variant used to only infect wild birds since late 2023 or early 2024.
A new bird flu variant named D1.1 infected a dairy worker in Nevada, marking the state's first human case of the H5N1 avian influenza. Image source: FOX 32 Chicago / Youtube.
At present, there are no additional confirmed human cases in Nevada and no evidence that humans can infect other humans, as per the state’s health district.
Officials are monitoring the symptoms of the infected worker and offered testing, antiviral medication, and personal protective equipment to other farm staff.
The D1.1 variant, previously known only in wild birds, has now crossed species barriers, infecting both dairy cattle and humans. This includes the Nevada dairy worker and a 13-year-old girl in Canada.
Despite this, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the D1.1 strain poses a low health risk to the general public. However, those in frequent contact with birds, poultry, or cows face a heightened risk.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture has suggested that migratory starlings, common winter visitors, may have introduced the virus into the state. This theory underscores the unpredictable nature of infectious diseases and the importance of monitoring animal migrations and patterns.
Source: Nevada Department of Wildlife / Facebook.
The D1.1 strain's impact on human health became tragically clear when a chronically ill, elderly Louisiana patient succumbed to the virus. This marked the first and only reported US human death from the bird flu.
The patient, over 65 with underlying health conditions, contracted the virus from a backyard flock. Additionally, a Canadian teenager with mild asthma was hospitalized due to the virus, as reported by the New England Journal of Medicine.
Source: NBC News / Youtube.
Globally, since 2003, the World Health Organization has recorded 950 human cases of bird flu, with nearly half resulting in fatalities. Yet, most human cases present mild symptoms, such as eye infections.
The H5N1 avian influenza has been a known entity since 1997, initially confined to wild bird populations.
Its recent spillover into domestic animals and humans signals a worrying shift in the virus's behavior.
The best defense against bird flu is minimizing exposure. Health experts recommend avoiding direct contact with wild birds and animals suspected of carrying the virus.
Amidst these concerns, the USDA assures that eggs, chicken meat, and beef remain safe to consume when cooked to proper temperatures.
Source: FOX 32 Chicago / Youtube.
While the commercial milk supply undergoes regular testing to ensure safety, the USDA advises against raw milk, which has been linked to the virus in some instances.
Also read: US hit with first severe bird flu case—is this a growing threat?
Have you taken any precautions in light of this news? Do you have any questions or insights about bird flu and its implications? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Last edited:
