BIRD FLU (H5N1): WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Avian influenza or bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans.

 

H5N1 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows. As of April 28, 2024 there has only been 1 reported exposure to a dairy cow and 1 reported exposure to poultry (CDC, 2024). Both patients were instructed to isolate and were treated with an antiviral drug for flu. While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.

The reported signs and symptoms of bird flu virus infections in humans have ranged from no symptoms or mild illness [such as eye redness (conjunctivitis) or mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms], to severe (such as pneumonia requiring hospitalization) and included fever (temperature of 100ºF or greater) or feeling feverish*, cough, sore throat, runny or stuff nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Less common signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures.

*Fever may not always be present

Here’s what you can do to take action and prevent the spread!

Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible. Avoid contact with wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died. Avoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them. Avoid unprotected direct physical contact or close exposure with cattle and materials potentially infected or confirmed to be infected with HPAI A(H5N1) virus. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States. Cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including bird flu viruses. People should separate uncooked (raw) poultry from cooked foods and foods that won’t be cooked. Get your flu shot! Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection.

For more information on the Avian Influenza/Bird Flu, please visit:

www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm