Local News
Missouri reported human case of H5 bird flu with no known link to animals
The CDC has confirmed the first human case of avian influenza A (H5), also known as H5 bird flu, in Missouri. Despite this, the risk of transmission to the general public remains low.
The case was identified through DHSS’s flu surveillance program. The patient, an adult with underlying health conditions, tested positive for influenza A in late August and has since recovered. The patient had no known contact with animals and was discharged from the hospital.
Further testing confirmed the presence of the H5 subtype, and virus characterization is underway at the CDC. This marks the fifteenth human case of H5 bird flu in the U.S. since 2022.
H5 primarily affects wild birds and poultry, and while rare, humans can contract the virus through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
In Missouri, no H5 infections in dairy cattle have been reported. The state continues to monitor influenza data and there have been no unusual signs of flu activity among people.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.