Focus on the BIG picture.
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2026
Outside the box.
Missouri Reports First US Bird Flu Case Without Animal Contact
In Missouri, a person has tested positive for bird flu without contact with infected animals. Treated and discharged, their case was confirmed as H5 avian flu. Authorities reported no further transmission, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance.
A person in Missouri has become the first in the United States to test positive for bird flu without known contact with infected animals.
The patient, who had underlying conditions, was admitted to the hospital on August 22 and treated with antiviral medications before being discharged.
Initial tests revealed the presence of H5, also known as avian or bird flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Missouri Department of Health announced that no transmission to close contacts was detected.
Scientists are concerned about mammal infections and potential virus mutation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) commended the surveillance efforts but emphasized continued investigation and enhanced disease monitoring in animals.
Despite being the 14th bird flu case in the US this year, it is the first without any known animal contact.
Previously, such cases predominantly involved farmworkers.
The patient, who had underlying conditions, was admitted to the hospital on August 22 and treated with antiviral medications before being discharged.
Initial tests revealed the presence of H5, also known as avian or bird flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Missouri Department of Health announced that no transmission to close contacts was detected.
Scientists are concerned about mammal infections and potential virus mutation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) commended the surveillance efforts but emphasized continued investigation and enhanced disease monitoring in animals.
Despite being the 14th bird flu case in the US this year, it is the first without any known animal contact.
Previously, such cases predominantly involved farmworkers.
