Rare Confirmed Case of Bird Flu in Texas: How Avian Influenza Spreads to Humans and the Need for Continued Vigilance

A man in Texas has been diagnosed with H5N1 bird flu after coming into close contact with infected dairy cows. This is the second confirmed case of the virus in the US, following a case reported in Colorado in 2022. Preliminary analysis of the virus strain did not show any concerning mutations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that this infection does not change their assessment of the public health risk associated with H5N1 influenza in the United States. The risk of an outbreak here remains low. The patient is currently isolated and receiving treatment with antiviral drugs.

Avian flu can be transmitted to humans, but only through close contact with infected animals. However, the death rate from this flu strain can be as high as 50%, compared to just 3% in regular flu cases. Current antibiotics are effective against circulating H5N1 influenza strains, and if the virus mutates to spread easily in humans, existing vaccines will also be effective in preventing it.