Bird Flu Cases Rise in US: Health Experts Urge Caution but Assure Food Safety

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The ongoing threat of avian influenza, particularly the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, has raised public health concerns across the United States as cases become increasingly widespread. The first fatal human case of H5N1 in 2024 was reported in Louisiana, linked to exposure to infected birds.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that while initial cases this year have generally been mild, with the majority resulting from contact with infected animals, concerns about the poultry and egg supply chain are heightened. In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported the H5N1 strain impacting dairy cattle across multiple states, prompting California's governor to declare a state of emergency.

Health officials emphasize that the risk of contracting H5N1 from commercial poultry products remains low. Several safeguards, including stringent testing and federal inspections, help ensure the safety of eggs and poultry. Pasteurization of dairy products effectively neutralizes the virus, while infected birds usually do not have enough time to lay eggs before succumbing to the illness.

Experts advise consumers to continue purchasing and consuming eggs and poultry, stressing the importance of proper cooking to eliminate any potential pathogens. The CDC maintains that, processed correctly, commercial poultry and eggs do not pose a significant foodborne illness risk, urging thorough cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they provide guidance to the public on safe food handling practices to navigate the challenges posed by H5N1.

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