Article inThe Atlantic makes clear how H5N1 risks faced by dairy workers should be a warning sign for us all

A May 23, 2024 article in The Atlantic magazine goes deeper into the H5N1 outbreak among dairy cattle and associated infections among, at the moment, a handful of dairy workers.  Aside from the epidemiology and public health best practices when a new cluster of infectious disease cases is identified, the article points out the barriers that are stopping or slowing a more vigorous response.  From worries about the stigma of testing positive for H5N1 infection - both for livestock and for humans - there is relectance to make vaccines widely available.  Protective gear that is available such as goggles have their own disincentives for their use.  Worst of all, these barriers are compounded most impactfully for the dairy workers, who face the greatest risks and likely already suffer from structural health disparities.