DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa health officials confirmed Friday the state’s first human case of bird flu, involving an individual who was exposed while working with an infected commercial poultry flock in northwest Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reported the patient experienced mild symptoms, received treatment, and is now recovering.
“Iowa has monitored the spread of avian influenza closely since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is prepared with the established knowledge, strong partnerships, and effective tools to mitigate its impact on our community,” said Dr. Robert Kruse, Iowa HHS State Medical Director.
The case adds to more than 60 human infections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) reported across nine states this month alone. Most cases have been linked to exposure to infected poultry and dairy cows.
Health officials emphasized that the virus typically spreads to humans through prolonged exposure to infected animals, particularly through contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. They advise individuals working with poultry and dairy cows to seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms or eye infections.
State health authorities stressed there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission in the United States. They also reassured consumers about food safety, stating there are no concerns regarding eggs, poultry products, pasteurized milk, and dairy products.
The case emerges amid growing national concern about the virus’s spread, particularly in the dairy industry. Iowa, as a major agricultural state with significant poultry operations, has maintained vigilant monitoring of the situation since detecting the virus in birds two years ago.
