Colorado bird flu cases show how extreme heat may be complicating efforts to control the virus

Searing heat may have played a role in the infections of five workers who fell ill last week while culling a large flock of chickens infected with the H5N1 virus in Colorado, health officials said. The workers were culling the birds during a period of extreme heat, and the use of personal protective equipment was challenging due to the hot temperatures inside the barns. Large industrial fans were also blowing dust and feathers, making it difficult for workers to maintain a good seal with their masks and eye protection. Four cases of H5N1 have been confirmed by the CDC, with a fifth case awaiting confirmation. Genetic analysis of the virus indicates that it is closely related to the strain found in cattle. The CDC has sent a team to assist with the investigation and contact tracing, and 60 people have shown flu-like symptoms. None of the workers have been hospitalized. The CDC recommends that people working with sick or dead animals wear personal protective equipment, but environmental conditions made it difficult for the workers to wear the full uniform. The United Farm Workers labor union has called for the CDC to rethink its PPE guidance to accommodate for the extreme heat.