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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
A first case of bird flu, without prior contact with an infected animal, was confirmed in the United States on September 6. Should we be concerned about the progression of this zoonosis? Answers from Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
In a press release dated September 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the case of an adult man affected by avian flu. What is special about this case? He tested positive without contact with an animal (poultry or cow), a first when usually, it is professionals in contact with the latter who are generally affected.
No transmission among the patient’s relatives
Hospitalized in the state of Missouri on August 22, the man was declared to have bird flu after extensive examinations and treated with an antiviral. He has now recovered. As Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo, points out, “This is the 14th human case of H5 reported in the United States in 2024 and the first case of H5 without known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals.”.
Should we be worried about this contamination?
However, the CDC is not concerned about the rise in cases of virus infections and the risk of human-to-human contamination that could occur following a mutation. They explain:that no transmission among the patient’s relatives has been detected” and that the risk is “low” for the population.
Dr Gérald Kierzek shares this observation: “It is the fact that there is no contact with animals that perhaps raises fears of a viral mutation, the main risk of which would be a human-to-human transmission. But for now, this is an isolated case, whose entourage has not been contaminated.”.
The World Health Organization (WHO), for its part, says it is reassured by the rapid detection of this case but reiterates the importance of understanding its origin by continuing investigations.
Nearly fifteen cases detected since the beginning of the year
This man is not the first patient to be affected by bird flu this year in the United States. Nearly fifteen cases have been recorded, mainly affecting professionals in contact with animals (poultry or cows).
WHO “strongly supports U.S. efforts to monitor zoonotic influenza” says Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, head of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, estimating that “enhanced surveillance of animal diseases is essential to protect animal and human health.”