A Missouri resident has tested positive for bird flu without any known contact with infected animals, marking the first such case in the United States. The patient, who had underlying health conditions, was hospitalized on August 22 and has since recovered after receiving antiviral treatment. This case brings the total number of H5N1 bird flu cases in the U.S. to 14 this year, all previously involving direct exposure to sick animals. Experts are investigating how this infection occurred, as it raises concerns about potential human-to-human transmission, although the CDC maintains that the risk to the public remains low. The CDC is analyzing the genetic makeup of the virus to determine if it is related to earlier cases or represents a new strain. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, particularly as bird flu has recently affected mammals, complicating the transmission dynamics.