Colorado has confirmed additional human cases of Influenza A(H5N1). The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) or “H5 bird flu” is highly contagious among poultry and often leads to the culling of entire flocks. These 3 new human H5N1 cases were confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and occurred in people who worked directly with infected poultry at the facility. The 3 individuals infected are reported to have experienced mild illness and were offered an antiviral medication, oseltamivir, for treatment. The CDC has not changed their recommendations, as there have been no surge in influenza cases and the virus does not appear of have obtained any genetic changes which would make it more likely to spread from person-to-person.
Transmission:
- Close contact with infected live or dead birds
- Contact with H5N1 contaminated environments (i.e. live bird markets)
Symptoms:
- Fever
- Malaise
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Muscle aches
Diagnosis
- Nose and throat swab testing
- Eye fluid sample testing
Treatment
- Antiviral medications
- Oseltamivir
- Peramivir
- Zanamivir
Prevention
- Wear protective clothing when working with birds, wild animals, and livestock
- Wash hands frequently when handling birds, wild animals, and livestock
- Refrain from working with animals who have been exposed to Influenza A (H5N1)
CDC Recommendations
- People should avoid 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 feces (poop), bedding (litter), unpasteurized (“raw”) milk, or materials that have been touched by, or close to, birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed Influenza A(H5N1) virus.
- Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses.
- Choosing pasteurized milk and products made with pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe. Unpasteurized (raw) milk and products made from raw milk, including soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt, can be contaminated with germs that can cause serious illness, hospitalization, or death. Pasteurization kills bacteria and viruses, like avian influenza A viruses, in milk.
Resources
CDC Confirms Three Human Cases of H5 Bird Flu Among Colorado Poultry Workers | CDC Newsroom
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): H5N1, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
Maegan Traveler- Education Specialists