The first man to have been infected with the influenza virus avian H5N1 highly pathogenic has presented a series of symptoms that have attracted the attention of the scientific community and the international media.
The main manifestation of this infection was one conjunctivitis with hemorrhage in the eyeswithout compromising your vision. This individual, identified as an employee of a Texan dairy company, was the subject of detailed study by experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Tech University Bioterrorism Response Laboratory in Lubbock, and the Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin, whose results were published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.
Symptoms of avian flu in humans
The patient experienced the first symptoms of the disease towards the end of March 2024. Initially, he reported feeling redness and discomfort in the right eye. During the medical examination, they were observed subconjunctival hemorrhages and serous drainage in the eye. Furthermore, he denied direct contact with sick animals, but disclosed close exposure to dairy cows suffering from similar symptoms on other farms in the same area of North Texas. Although he claimed to have used gloves while working with the animals, he did not take additional precautions such as the use of respiratory masks or protective goggles.
After collection of conjunctival and nasopharyngeal samples, virus infection was confirmed H5N1. As a result, the patient was immediately placed in home isolation and treated with oral oseltamivir, an antiviral drug recommended for the treatment of influenza. Despite the treatment, the next day he reported mild eye discomfort. A subsequent examination confirmed the persistence of subconjunctival hemorrhages, although there was no visual impairment. Fortunately, in the following days, the patient’s conjunctivitis resolved spontaneously, and his family contacts remained healthy.
The analysis of biological samples confirmed the presence of H5N1 virus in the patient, with viral strains related to those found in dairy cattle and wild birds in Texas in March 2024. The experts noted that while no significant changes in the viral receptors were identified, a mutation associated with adaptation was found of the virus to mammals. However, at present, no genetic markers have been identified that influence sensitivity to approved antiviral drugs.
Possible cure for avian flu in humans
Finally, an interesting observation was made regarding the hemagglutinin of the virus isolated from the patient. It appears to be similar to that of two candidates vaccines against A(H5N1), suggesting the possibility of using the isolated viral strains for the production of avian influenza vaccines if necessary. This could represent an important step forward in preparing against potential future influenza pandemics.
The epidemic of H5N1 avian flu among dairy cattle in the United States raises serious public health concerns. The discovery of a human case linked to this outbreak highlights the importance of active surveillance and readiness to respond to potential public health threats. It is essential to maintain vigilance and develop prevention and control strategies to protect the health and well-being of the population.
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