Four cases of avian flu have been confirmed in poultry workers at a farm in northeast Colorado, with an additional presumed case pending confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment described the facility as a commercial egg layer operation. According to a recent release by the state health department, the workers culled poultry at the farm and had direct contact with sick animals there.
The workers “exhibited mild symptoms, including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and common respiratory infection symptoms. None were hospitalized,” according to the release.
The State Public Health Laboratory tested samples from the workers, with its results indicating positive cases for all five.
Earlier this month, the Coloradoan reported the first human case in the state, which was connected to a multi-state outbreak of the virus in dairy cattle.
The state health department says it is safe to eat poultry products. “The proper handling and cooking of poultry, meat, and eggs kills bacteria and viruses, including avian flu viruses,” it said in its release.