NBC News Four cases in Washington farmworkers are the latest in a drumbeat of human infections across the U.S. as the virus continues to spread among farm animals. Four new cases of avian influenza were detected in farmworkers in Washington state this week, the latest in a drumbeat of human infections cropping up across the U.S. as the virus continues to spread among farm animals.
Washington is the sixth state to report human cases of bird flu, which has spread rampantly in wild birds, poultry and cattle. Assuming the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms the state’s positive tests, they will bring the U.S. tally to at least 31.
Flu experts said the risk of a broader outbreak among humans will continue to simmer if the virus remains uncontrolled in animals.