CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – For 4th time in the United States, the CDC has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a human being. Officials say that as with previous cases, the person is a worker on a dairy farm where cows tested positive for the virus.

The person reportedly only showed symptoms of the virus in their eyes, and after receiving treatment, has recovered.

Based on the information available, the CDC says the infection does change the health risk assessment for the U.S. general public in relation to HPAI. However, officials do say that the development underscores the importance of taking precautions when exposed to infected animals.

The CDC recommends:

• People should avoid close, long, or unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals (including cows).
• People should also avoid unprotected exposures to animal poop, bedding (litter), unpasteurized (“raw”) milk, or materials that have been touched by, or close to, birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed A(H5N1) virus.
• Using personal protective equipment (PEE) to reduce a person’s and the overall public’s health risk.

More information on the virus and health recommendations can be found here.