Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu: Oregon’s First Human Case Emerges

Oregon reports its first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, linked to a poultry operation in Clackamas County, raising concerns about the virus’s spread beyond birds.

At a Glance

Oregon confirms first human case of H5N1 bird flu in Clackamas County.
Case linked to commercial poultry operation with 150,000 infected birds.
52 people from seven states have tested positive for bird flu in the U.S. this year.
CDC advises testing for exposed farm workers, even if asymptomatic.
Risk to general public remains low, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

Oregon’s First Human Bird Flu Case Confirmed

In a concerning development, Oregon health officials have confirmed the state’s first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), specifically the H5N1 strain. The case is directly linked to an outbreak at a commercial poultry operation in Clackamas County, where approximately 150,000 birds have been infected. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing bird flu situation that has affected poultry and wild birds across the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been closely monitoring the situation. According to their reports, this case brings the total number of human bird flu infections in the United States to 52 across seven states this year. The CDC stated, “A total of 52 people from seven states have tested positive for the virus this year. The bird flu virus has infected poultry flocks and spread to more than 500 dairy herds, the CDC said.”

The first known case of human bird flu in Oregon has been identified at a Clackamas County poultry farm.https://t.co/JW5PlhhG4k

— Eyewitness News (@wchs8fox11) November 17, 2024

Impact on Poultry Industry and Public Health

The bird flu outbreak has had a devastating impact on the U.S. poultry industry. Since 2022, over 100 million poultry birds have been lost due to the virus. The recent human case in Oregon highlights the potential for the virus to jump from animals to humans, though the risk to the general public remains low. All human cases, except one in Missouri, have been farm workers with known contact with infected animals.

“The main risks that we look at on raw poultry are other bacteria. Salmonella, in particular, is pretty common. So really, in making sure they have good hand hygiene, I oftentimes wear gloves when I’m preparing raw poultry, but thoroughly wash your hands and any cooking surfaces afterwards. You want to use a cutting board that can easily be sanitized with bleach afterwards.” – Dr. Sarah Present

The infected individual in Oregon experienced mild symptoms and has since recovered. Antiviral medications were prescribed to the patient and their household members as a precautionary measure. Dr. Sarah Present from Clackamas County Public Health emphasized that consuming poultry remains safe if proper hygiene and cooking practices are followed.

Precautions and Public Health Response

Health officials are advising the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to refrain from consuming unpasteurized or raw dairy products. The CDC recommends testing for farm workers exposed to infected animals, even if they show no symptoms. This proactive approach aims to detect and contain potential human cases early.

While the current situation does not pose a significant threat to the general public, health experts stress the importance of vigilance. Dr. Present encourages everyone to get their annual flu vaccine and notes that if necessary, future vaccines could be adjusted to include protection against emerging strains of avian influenza.