The United States has recorded 637 cases of avian influenza (H5N1) in wild birds in 31 states across the country. According to information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), updated on the 19th of this month, no cases of the virus were detected in humans in the country.
More than 28.5 million cases have also been identified in domestic birds such as chickens in 29 states. 203 outbreaks were reported in 123 counties in the United States.
According to the CDC, the highly infectious avian influenza virus among birds has been detected in wild aquatic species, commercial farmed birds and individual flocks since January of this year. According to the agency, these are the first detections in the country since 2016.
Preliminary genetic sequencing and molecular diagnostic tests (RT-PCR) on viral samples indicate that the viruses belong to a group called 2.3.4.4.
prevention measures
The CDC advises that, whenever possible, people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and only observe them from a distance.
Wild birds can be infected with the avian influenza virus even if they don’t look sick.
In addition, unprotected contact with domestic birds that appear sick or dead should be avoided, and surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous membranes or feces from wild or domestic birds should not be touched.
Source: CNN Brasil
