By Julie Steenhuysen
The latest report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that six healthcare workers who cared for a patient in Missouri have developed respiratory symptoms.
Missouri is spearheading the investigation, with CDC providing remote assistance. According to Missouri health department spokeswoman Lisa Cox, there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
One healthcare worker tested negative for the virus, while symptoms in others were detected too late for testing, Cox explained. Samples are being prepared to be sent to the CDC for further analysis.
"These cases highlight the urgency of taking this outbreak seriously," stated Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
Adalja emphasized the need for prompt antibody testing to evaluate the risk of human-to-human spread. He also called for official CDC assistance in handling the situation in Missouri.
Cox assured that relevant updates will be shared as the investigations progress. The Missouri case marks the 14th bird flu diagnosis in the United States this year, with previous cases linked to farm workers and outbreaks on farms.
Analysis:
The article highlights the emergence of respiratory symptoms in healthcare workers who treated a bird flu patient in Missouri. The investigation is ongoing, with no confirmed person-to-person transmission yet. Expert opinions stress the importance of taking the outbreak seriously and conducting prompt testing for human-to-human spread. This development underscores the potential risks associated with the virus and the need for comprehensive measures to prevent further spread and protect public health.