Colorado health officials confirmed a seventh poultry worker contracted the H5N1 avian flu virus (bird flu). The worker was culling sick birds at an egg farm when they contracted the virus. As of July 22, 2024, the total number of U.S. workers infected with avian flu is 11. All cases have presented mild symptoms and no workers have been hospitalized.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the general public remains at a low-risk level for contracting the virus. However, those who work around infected bird populations should use personal protective equipment. The agency recommends gloves, masks and gloves.

H5N1 first appeared in the U.S. in February 2022. An estimated 100.4 million birds have been culled across the country since then, most of which were egg-laying hens and turkeys.

Read more about the recent illness reports here.