United States: In an unfolding public health situation, four individuals employed in agricultural work have been found to be “presumptively positive” for avian influenza after exposure to infected poultry at a large-scale egg production facility located in Franklin County, Washington. This revelation was made public on Sunday by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
The DOH noted that these mark the first suspected human cases of this viral strain currently under evaluation within the state of Washington, according to komonews.com.
It is believed that the source of these cases traces back to a farm involved in a recent avian influenza outbreak that necessitated the culling of approximately 800,000 birds. The Washington State Department of Agriculture conducted diagnostic tests on October 15, confirming widespread infection among the flock.
In response, the Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) initiated comprehensive health assessments of all workers exposed at the site. Testing was conducted at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory, with additional samples dispatched to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for conclusive confirmation and in-depth viral analysis.
The four individuals exhibiting “presumptively positive” results experienced only mild symptoms and have since been treated with antiviral medications, according to the DOH, as per komonews.com.
Washington now joins five other states in identifying human infection with the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) has been responsible for ongoing, multi-state outbreaks affecting poultry, cattle, and wildlife populations alike.
“Washington has maintained vigilant surveillance of the H5N1 virus ever since its initial detection in the state’s poultry sector in 2022. Our state is well-prepared, equipped with the necessary knowledge, partnerships, and tools to mitigate its potential impact on public health,” said Dr. Umair Shah, Washington’s Secretary of Health.
Avian influenza, a disease caused by avian influenza Type A viruses, naturally occurs in wild aquatic birds worldwide. H5N1, in particular, has the capacity to infect various avian species and even some mammals, frequently resulting in high mortality rates among domesticated poultry species such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks, as per komonews.com.
Though human infections are infrequent, avian influenza viruses can, on occasion, infect people following close and prolonged contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
Farm workers or contractors who have been employed at poultry facilities in Benton or Franklin counties since October 7 are advised to contact BFHD at 509-460-4550 should they experience symptoms such as red eyes or respiratory distress.