The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced the outbreak Sunday. Health officials have since culled poultry on the farm, which produces chickens for Tyson Foods, and initiated quarantines on surrounding chicken farms. In addition to the USDA, the CDC is working with Tennessee Department of Health to control the outbreak.
“CDC considers the risk to the public’s health from this North American H7N9 virus outbreak in commercial poultry to be low,” said the agency in a media statement. “In the past, there have only been a small number (fewer than 10 in 15 years) of reported human infections with North American avian influenza A H7 viruses. Most were associated with poultry exposure and have resulted in mild respiratory illness and/or conjunctivitis.”
Early symptoms of H7N9 are similar to those of seasonal flu. However, the virus often develops into pneumonia. The avian flu strain is one of several monitored by the CDC due its potential to cause a human pandemic.
More articles on infection control:
CDC warns caregivers and providers about children ingesting hand sanitizer
Treating bone infections with bioactive glass lowers antibiotic use
Washington mumps outbreak tops 550, spreads to UW
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
