Missouri Bird Flu Outbreak Investigated Amid Delays

Health officials in Missouri are investigating a potential bird flu outbreak after a patient was hospitalized with H5N1 in early September. Six healthcare workers and a household contact developed mild respiratory symptoms following exposure to the patient, but there is no confirmed human-to-human transmission so far. The Missouri case is particularly concerning as the patient had no known contact with infected animals, unlike previous U.S. cases this year. The CDC has collected blood samples for antibody testing to determine if the healthcare workers were infected. Despite the concerns, officials stress that the immediate risk to the public remains low. The investigation continues amidst challenges, including delays caused by Hurricane Helene.