The CDC reports that the Missouri Health Department has identified a human case of H5 Bird Flu. This is the 14th human case of H5 reported in the United States during 2024. The case is unique in being the first case of H5 without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals. H5 outbreaks in cattle have not been reported in Missouri, but outbreaks of H5 have been reported in poultry flocks. H5N1 bird flu has also been detected in wild birds in that state in the past. This is also the first H5 bird flu case detected through the country’s national flu surveillance system, rather than being identified during an investigation of known animal outbreaks. Additional testing is ongoing to investigate any further transmission.
