The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] alert from September 27, 2024, raises concerns about human-to-human transmission of bird flu among workers. If this occurs, it will create a major occupational disease outbreak in the workplace that may severely impact workers’ compensation claims.

Current situation

- 14 human cases of avian influenza A(H5) virus infection have been reported in the United States since April 2024.

- 4 cases were associated with exposure to sick dairy cows, 9 with exposure to infected poultry, and 1 case (in Missouri) has an undetermined source.

CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update September 27, 2024

CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update
9/27/2024

Missouri case investigation

- No ongoing transmission has been identified among close contacts of the case reported on September 6, 2024.

- 18 healthcare workers had higher-risk exposure before droplet precautions were instituted.

- 2 of these workers developed mild respiratory symptoms; one tested negative for influenza by PCR.

- 4 additional healthcare workers later developed mild respiratory symptoms.

- Blood specimens from symptomatic workers have been collected for H5 antibody testing at CDC.

- To date, only one case of influenza A(H5N1) has been detected in Missouri, with no contacts testing positive.

Monitoring and surveillance

- Over 5,000 people have been monitored due to exposure to infected or potentially infected animals.

- At least 240 people who developed flu-like symptoms have been tested.

- More than 50,000 specimens have been tested at public health labs since February 25, 2024.

- CDC is monitoring flu surveillance data, especially in affected areas, for any unusual trends.

U.S. states that have reported human case(s) of influenza A(H5) virus infection
Source: US CDC 9/27/2024

Recommendations for workers

- CDC has updated guidance for employers and workers to reduce the risk of Novel Influenza A exposure.

- The guidance includes information on personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering and administrative control measures, and mitigating heat stress when wearing PPE.

- A new hazard assessment worksheet is available for dairy facility employers.

Outreach efforts

- CDC is conducting targeted outreach to farm workers in affected counties through various media channels.

- Information is provided in English and Spanish about risks, preventive actions, symptoms, and what to do if symptoms develop.

While the alert doesn't explicitly state human-to-human transmission among workers, the extensive monitoring and testing of healthcare workers and close contacts indicate that this is a significant concern. The CDC is investigating any symptomatic individuals who had contact with confirmed cases to detect potential human-to-human transmission early. If human-to-human transmission of this infectious disease occurs, it could result in widespread illness and a possible pandemic.

CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update September 27, 2024

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Recommended Citation: Gelman, Jon L., Bird Flu: Is Human-to-Human Spread Taking Flight?, www.gelmans.com (09/28/2024) https://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/2024/09/bird-flu-is-human-to-human-spread.html

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*Jon L. Gelman of Wayne, NJ, is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters). For over five decades, the Law Offices of Jon Gelman 1.973.696.7900
jon@gelmans.com has represented injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational illnesses and diseases.