In the ongoing outbreak of bird flu linked to dairy cows, a fourth person has tested positive for the virus in Colorado. The individual, a dairy worker, had eye symptoms but recovered after receiving antiviral treatment. This case is similar to two earlier cases in Texas and Michigan where individuals only developed pinkeye symptoms. Another patient in Michigan did experience upper respiratory symptoms but also recovered. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the overall risk of H5N1 bird flu to the general public in the U.S. remains low.
Since the outbreak began in March, over 780 people exposed to sick cows have been monitored, with 53 tested for the virus. Federal health officials are working to make 4.8 million doses of a vaccine available soon, and Moderna is developing an mRNA vaccine for bird flu. Across 12 states, 139 herds have been affected by the outbreak. The CDC recommends that those in contact with dairy cattle wear protective gear and avoid drinking unpasteurized raw milk, as pasteurization has been shown to neutralize the virus in milk.
Overall, the CDC emphasizes that the virus is not spreading widely among people and that appropriate precautions can help prevent further infections. The agency continues to monitor the situation closely and provide guidance to prevent the spread of H5N1 bird flu.
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