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(CNN) --
A Colorado man who was directly exposed to poultry and slaughter birds with suspected H5N5 bird flu has been confirmed to have H5 bird flu, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. ., CDC, in a statement Thursday.
"This is the second human case associated with this specific group of H5 viruses that is currently predominant, and the first case in the United States," the CDC said.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) said the man is a state inmate under the age of 40 who worked on a commercial farm in Montrose County.
The man recovered after experiencing fatigue, the CDPHE said.
He is currently in isolation and is being treated with the antiviral drug oseltamivir.
"Repeated testing of the person was negative for influenza," Colorado officials said in the statement.
"Because the person was in close contact with infected poultry, it is possible that the virus was in the person's nose without causing infection."
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The CDC also said it's possible the detection was a result of surface contamination.
"This H5-positive human case does not change the human health risk assessment," the CDC said.
"CDC is taking routine preparedness and prevention steps, including an existing vaccine candidate virus that could be used to make a vaccine for people if needed."
bird flu in people
People who are at increased risk of infection due to regular contact with infected birds should take the precautions outlined on the CDC website.
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with poultry that appear sick or dead and staying away from surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds.
If you handle wild birds or poultry, wear gloves and wash your hands when you're done.
People can also wear a mask and goggles if possible.
In February, avian flu was first detected in a commercial turkey flock in Dubois County, Indiana, according to the US Department of Agriculture. This was the first case of infection in the country since 2020.
Illness caused by the flu has been confirmed in commercial and backyard flocks in at least two dozen states and in wild birds in more than 30 states, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Earlier this month, the spread prompted zoo officials across the country to temporarily move their birds indoors as a safety measure.
bird flu
