What a US farmworker's case of bird flu tells us about tracking the infection

A US farmworker in Texas has contracted bird flu from cows, marking the first known case of mammal-to-human transmission. The worker developed red, swollen, weeping eyes but no fever or lung issues. Although he did not become seriously ill, the case confirms that H5N1 can infect humans through cow contact. Testing other sick dairy workers did not find anyone else with bird flu. Limited testing among farmworkers is a concern, as lack of sick leave discourages them from seeking medical attention. Further investigation into the infection source couldn’t be performed.