Serologic evidence of HPAI A(H5) Infections among dairy workers
A new study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) highlights recent serologic evidence of infections with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) virus among dairy workers in Michigan and Colorado during the summer of 2024. Out of 115 dairy workers surveyed, 8 (7%) showed serologic evidence of recent infection with the HPAI A(H5) virus. Among the seropositive individuals, symptoms such as fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, diarrhea, and headache were reported. Notably, red, draining, or itchy eyes were also common among both seropositive and seronegative workers.These findings emphasize the importance of active monitoring and testing of exposed workers to detect and treat HPAI A(H5) infections, even in individuals with mild symptoms.
