Bird Flu Has Been Found In Even More Coloradans

Here in Colorado, it feels like the cold and flu season is getting underway earlier than ever.

Get our free mobile app

Back in May, a new COVID variant called FLiRT came to the state and caused some people to start feeling under the weather.

However, the biggest illness concern in the state, and in the country, is the bird flu. 

Also back in May, avian flu was found in multiple different Colorado cows here in Colorado, which sparked some major concerns.

However, it would appear it has now spread from animals to humans.

Five People Infected With Bird Flu in Colorado

While it originally seemed to be affecting Colorado’s dairy industry, it appears that bird flu has now found itself within the poultry industry.

The ongoing bird flu outbreak has been going on since 2022, but it has not necessarily infected humans in that time. The first infection took place in Colorado, but eight of the nine cases so far have all taken place this year. 

According to NBC News, four people, all of which are poultry workers, have been infected with bird flu.

There is also a fifth person who has the symptoms but is still undergoing testing.

Fortunately, nobody has a severe case.

Experts Are Afraid We Could Get a Bird Flu Epidemic

With the rise of cases and the prevalence of the virus in cattle, experts are extremely concerned about a possible epidemic. 

According to Nature, each passing day brings the likelihood of avoiding an epidemic down.

Currently, there are no vaccines in development for bird flu, but it is definitely a likely candidate with the direction things are heading.

What Are Symptoms of Bird Flu?

According to the CDC, there are a couple of different symptoms that you should look out for.

If a person is symptomatic, they will likely have eye redness, repertory issues, sore throat, cough, and a fever.

In some severe cases, they could need to be hospitalized for pneumonia.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should go see your doctor.