Brazil investigates suspected human case of bird flu

On May 19, 2023

Brazil is investigating a suspected human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) in the southeastern state of Espirito Santo, where this week the first ever confirmed cases in wild birds were detected, the Health Ministry disclosed.

A 61-year-old man, who worked at the park where three wild birds tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), is being monitored and in isolation, after he showed mild flu symptoms, the ministry said in a statement. A reference lab in Espirito Santo is analyzing his samples and 32 other people who also work at the park, it added, pointing out that no confirmed cases of influenza A have ever been reported in the country.

While humans can contract H5N1, cases remain rare, and global health officials have said the risk to humans is low. This is coming after China’s report of the death of its first human case.

Brazil, the world’s largest poultry exporter, is adopting an extra cautious stance after the detection of the H5N1 subtype in wild birds. Transmission of the highly pathogenic virus subtype to the country’s commercial flock would risk nearly $10 billion of chicken exports as trade bans may be imposed by importing nations.

Reuters/S.S