Colorado inmate tests positive for avian flu, health officials say

A Colorado man has tested positive for the avian flu, also known as H5N1 flu. The man, who is younger than 40 and an inmate at a state correctional facility in Delta County, is largely asymptomatic, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said Thursday, adding that the risk to the public is low.

The man tested positive as a result of direct exposure to infected poultry at a commercial farm in Montrose County, according to the health department. He was working with poultry as part of a pre-release employment program "where participants have the opportunity to work for private employers and be paid a prevailing wage."

The infected man only reported feeling fatigued, and has since recovered, according to a statement from the CDC. He is isolating and receiving the influenza antiviral drug oseltamivir, commonly known as tamiflu, per CDC guidance.