Colorado Man Infected With H5 Bird Flu, First Confirmed Case in US

Officials reported Thursday that a Colorado inmate tested positive for bird flu, marking it the first confirmed virus case in the US.

The risk to the public is low, according to state health officials, because person-to-person transmission of the H5N1 avian flu is uncommon.

The individual had been in contact with sick birds while working in a pre-release program at a commercial poultry farm in Montrose County, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health.

Following a nasal swab test, a positive result was verified earlier this week. On Thursday, the CDC validated the findings.

In the US, no more cases of the new strain have been confirmed.

The infected individual, who is “younger than 40,” is asymptomatic and merely reports feeling tired. He is being quarantined while he recovers.

The affected flock was “euthanized and disposed of,” CDPH said.

“We want to reassure Coloradans that the risk to them is low,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy. “I am grateful for the seamless collaboration between CDC, Department of Corrections, Department of Agriculture, and CDPHE, as we continue to monitor this virus and protect all Coloradans.”

After a person in the UK contracted the virus after coming into touch with infected birds in January, the detainee is the second man in the world to be infected with this strain of influenza.

According to the agency, avian influenza has been found in wild and domestic birds.

Officials advise people to avoid contact with dead or sick birds, as well as places where bird feces is present, to prevent contracting the virus.