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.