Missouri's First Human Bird Flu Case Confirmed by CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed Missouri's first human case of avian influenza A (H5), identified through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' (DHSS) influenza surveillance program. The patient, who has underlying medical conditions, was hospitalized on August 22, tested positive for influenza A, and has since recovered and been discharged. There is no known exposure to animals, and the risk to the general public remains low.

This case marks the 15th human H5 case in the United States since 2022 and the 14th reported this year. The H5 subtype was detected through routine influenza surveillance, and additional virus characterization is underway at the CDC. Despite the case being part of the general flu surveillance system, DHSS maintains that the likelihood of sustained transmission among the public is low. No further patient information will be disclosed to ensure privacy.