Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Human Cases in Washoe County: 0

Avian Influenza (H5N1), also known as bird flu, is widespread in wild birds and is causing outbreaks in domesticated birds and dairy cows. Although humans have contracted H5N1 in the United States, these cases have had contact with infected animals or their droppings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What we know:

• There are zero (0) human cases of bird flu in Washoe County. 
• There is no evidence to show H5N1 spreads from human to human at this time.
  • Currently, it is spread only from animal to human, with nearly all cases nationwide associated with exposure to commercial agriculture and other related operations. 
  • Viruses, however, can mutate so it's possible that it could eventually spread from human to human. 
• The current public health risk is low. The CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.
• Food: According to the CDC, there is no evidence that any human H5N1 cases in the United States came from someone eating properly handled and cooked poultry or beef.
  • However, uncooked poultry and poultry products (like blood) could have been the source of a small number of avian influenza infections in people in Southeast Asia.
  • Eggs: Cooking eggs (and poultry) to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses. 
  • Milk: 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, according to the CDC.
    • Pasteurization kills bacteria and viruses, like avian influenza A viruses, in milk by using heat to kill harmful pathogens. 
• Travel: There are no recommendations against traveling abroad due to avian influenza - see CDC travel health notices.
• Vaccines: The seasonal flu shot does not protect against the H5N1 bird flu; however, the U.S. government is developing vaccines against H5N1 in case they are needed.
  • The seasonal flu shot is still recommended to protect against the flu, reduce symptoms if infected, and reduce the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection.
  • To find a location to get a flu shot, go to vaccines.gov to find a pharmacy near you to get immunized, or call NNPH at 775-328-2042 for an appointment. 
• Agriculture: For more information on the agricultural components of the virus, visit the Nevada Department of Agriculture. 
• EPI-NEWS: Learn about the accelerated subtyping of influenza in hospitalized patients from the CDC Health Alert Network (HAN).

Prevention tips from the CDC:

• The best way to prevent H5N1 bird flu is to avoid sources of exposure whenever possible.
• As a general precaution, whenever possible people should avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, and other animals. Observe them only from a distance.
• If you must have direct/close contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds can be infected with avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses even if they don't look sick. Learn about PPE options for workers who could be exposed to H5N1.
• Do not touch surfaces or materials (e.g., animal litter or bedding material) contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian bird influenza A virus infection.
• Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus infection.

For more information about, including nationwide surveillance, visit the CDC's webpage. The CDC also has more prevention information here.