DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — Iowa health officials have reported the first human case of bird flu in the state of Iowa while also saying that risk of infection is very low for the public.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) said in a release that it is the first case of a human getting avian influenza A(H5) in the state. The State Hygienic Laboratory tested the individual and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the case.
Officials said the person was exposed to the disease while working in a commercial flock of infected poultry in northwest Iowa. The infected individual had mild symptoms. They received treatment and are 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,” Iowa HHS State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse said.