By Jamie Martin
U.S. health officials confirmed two new human cases of bird flu in Colorado, raising the total to six confirmed and one pending among workers exposed at poultry farms.
The recent cases followed an outbreak at a Weld County egg farm where extensive measures were taken to contain the virus, including the culling of 1.8 million birds.
Colorado's cases are part of a broader outbreak affecting commercial birds and dairy cattle across the U.S., with epidemiologists closely monitoring for potential spillover into humans.
To date, the U.S. has confirmed ten cases of the H5N1 virus in humans since April, primarily linked to direct animal contact on farms.
Health advisories indicate that the affected individuals experienced mild symptoms and received antiviral treatments. Challenges including extreme heat have hindered proper use of protective gear, potentially facilitating the virus's spread among farm workers.
In response to the outbreaks, Colorado is ramping up its testing and monitoring efforts, particularly in Weld County, a major hub for the state's dairy production. The overall risk to the public remains low, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission reported.
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Categories: National