U.S. Confirms First Case of Bird Flu With No Known Animal Exposure

A patient in the state of Missouri tested positive for bird flu. The case is the 14th human case of bird flu so far in the U.S. this year, and the first case with no known animal exposure. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control:  “Missouri DHSS reports that the patient, who was hospitalized, had underlying medical conditions, was treated with influenza antiviral medications, subsequently discharged, and has recovered. There is no immediate known animal exposure. No ongoing transmission among close contacts or otherwise has been identified.”

The CDC added that the risk of H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, remains low: “Based on available data, CDC's current assessment is that the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low. CDC's recommendations related to H5 virus have not changed at this time.”