The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the first human death from bird flu in the United States this week. The deceased was a Louisiana resident who had been exposed to sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. This incident marks a significant milestone in the ongoing bird flu outbreak that has affected all 50 states since its resurgence in 2022, with activity intensifying in March 2024.
The CDC has recorded 66 human cases of bird flu since 2024, with California, Washington, and Colorado logging the most cases. The highly contagious virus has resulted in over 130 million birds and nearly 1,000 dairy herds being affected across the country. Despite the widespread impact, health officials reassure the public that there is no evidence of transmission through properly handled and cooked poultry products.
"While there have been no documented cases of bird flu transmission from eating chicken or eggs to date, it makes sense to take sensible precautions," said Dr. Roy Gulick, an infectious disease specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
The Type A H5N1 virus, first detected in 1959 following a chicken outbreak in Scotland, continues to pose challenges worldwide. In the United States, preventive measures include pasteurizing nearly all commercial milk to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses. Pasteurization involves heating milk to a very high temperature, ensuring safety for consumers.
To protect public health, many states have imposed restrictions on importing dairy cattle from regions where the virus has been detected. As of now, California and Texas are the only states with active detections in dairy cattle, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Health experts emphasize the importance of proper food preparation to prevent infection. Cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is advised. For beef products, ground beef should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and whole cuts should be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a three-minute rest period.
The CDC and USDA continue to monitor the situation closely, providing guidance to farmers and consumers alike. The public is urged to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended safety practices to minimize risks associated with the outbreak.
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