US investigates possible human transmission of bird flu after seven show symptoms

U.S. health authorities are investigating seven individuals who showed flu symptoms after exposure to a bird flu patient in Missouri. This raises concerns about possible human-to-human transmission of the virus. None of the seven have tested positive for avian influenza. Six are healthcare workers who treated the patient, while one is a close contact. All experienced mild respiratory symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring the situation. So far, there have been 14 reported cases of avian influenza in the U.S. in 2024, with the source of the Missouri infection still unknown.