U.S. Wastewater Tests Show Bird Flu Virus Limited to Areas With Farm Animals
THURSDAY, Sept. 19, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- An extensive look at wastewater samples taken across the United States from May to July found traces of the H5N1 bird flu popping up -- but only in areas populated by farm animals.
The avian flu virus has been widespread in U.S. poultry as well as herds of dairy cows, raising alarms that the virus might somehow mutate and spread between people.
The wastewater testing performed between May 12 and July 13 is reassuring, suggesting the virus is still centered on animals.
Nine of 41 states with wastewater detection of flu viruses in place showed sites with traces of the H5N1 virus present in samples, the CDC said.
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