Denver, CO – Health officials have confirmed human cases of avian influenza among workers at a commercial egg layer operation in northeast Colorado. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) reported five cases, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming four and a fifth case pending confirmation.
According to the CDPHE, the cases emerged in workers responding to the avian flu outbreak. Samples from three workers were sent to the CDC for testing on Friday, July 12. The fourth case was detected late Friday evening and confirmed by the CDC. Samples for the fifth worker, taken on Saturday, July 13, are awaiting confirmation. No additional test results are pending.
The affected workers were involved in culling poultry and exhibited mild symptoms such as conjunctivitis and common respiratory infection symptoms. None were hospitalized. State epidemiologists believe the infections were contracted through direct contact with infected poultry. The investigation is ongoing with support from the CDC.
