Bird Flu: Fourth Human Case Detected in the US
The Facts
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed Wednesday that a Colorado dairy worker contracted bird flu connected to the ongoing dairy cow outbreak.
The man worked around cows and tested positive for H5N1 after developing "eye symptoms," making him the fourth such confirmed case in the US.
The Spin
Narrative A
H5N1 in the US is deeply concerning because its silent spread in cattle could lead to a mutation that presents a huge risk for humans. The presence of viral fragments in the milk supply and the infection of a dairy worker also highlight the need for extreme vigilance. There must be heightened caution and increased testing to prevent a pandemic.
Narrative B
There's no need to panic about the avian flu's spread in the US. The risk to the general population remains low, as the virus has yet to easily transmit from human to human. The US government is well-prepared, with antiviral treatments and vaccines already stockpiled. This situation is under control.
