Can Humans Get Sick from Bird Flu?
Public health risk currently low but still concerning
Public health risk currently low but still concerning
If you’re keeping up with the latest developments on the bird flu outbreak in the United States, keep these important facts in mind:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk of widespread bird flu in humans to be low but is taking the situation seriously and following it closely.
The bird flu strain known as A H5N1 is spreading among wild birds around the world and causing sporadic outbreaks in poultry, dairy cattle and other animals. However, it is rarely affecting humans. Also, there is no evidence that it can spread from person to person.
However, there is concern that the virus could mutate and become more easily transmissible between people.
“The risk to the public may be low, but it is important to stay informed and follow safety guidelines to prevent any potential outbreak that affects people,” says Craig Uejo, MD, chief quality officer and an occupational health physician at Scripps. “This includes knowing what to do if you come into contact with a sick bird or other animal and become sick.”
Public health officials ask people to contact their local health department for help if they are exposed to a sick bird or animal and become sick.
What is bird flu?
Avian influenza A viruses mainly affect birds. The H5N1 subtype has caused most cases of bird flu in humans around the world.
H5N1 was first recognized as a threat to humans during an outbreak in Hong Kong in 1997. Since then, nearly 900 people worldwide have been infected with bird flu. More than half have died from the virus, according to World Health Organization. Most contracted the virus directly from infected animals.
Following a slowdown, there's been a recent surge in bird flu cases affecting people. Since 2022, over two dozen individuals have been infected with H5N1 bird flu across eight countries, including two non-fatal cases in the U.S.
The most recent U.S. case occurred in March when a dairy farm worker in Texas contracted H5N1 from an infected cow, marking the first cow-to-human transmission in the country. The first U.S. case happened in 2022 in Colorado and involved direct contact with infected poultry. Both patients experienced mild symptoms and received treatment with antiviral drugs.
Symptoms
In humans, symptoms of H5N1 bird flu can range from mild respiratory issues to severe respiratory distress. Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and difficulty breathing are common signs of infection.
If you feel ill after exposure to infected birds, the CDC advises staying home and minimizing contact with others. Contact your local health department for guidance and potential testing for bird flu. Refrain from attending work or school until you're certain you don't have the virus.
“If you happen to become ill and believe you were exposed to a sick or infected animal or bird, we recommend you discuss your illness and symptoms with your personal physician,” Dr. Uejo says.
Treatment
Antiviral drugs may be used to treat bird flu. Additionally, the CDC routinely develops vaccines tailored to combat new bird flu viruses, aiming to prevent potential pandemics.
While the regular seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against bird flu, it can help reduce the risk of co-infection with both human and bird flu viruses.
Preventive measures
Exposure level determines the risk of infection. So far preventive efforts are primarily targeting people with occupational contact with birds or animals susceptible to bird flu, as well as those who raise backyard poultry.
The CDC recommends:
Avoid contact
Avoid contact with wild birds or animals that may carry bird flu, especially if you work with poultry, dairy farms, or raise backyard bird flocks. After exposure, avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes, as the virus can enter the body through these pathways or by inhalation into the lungs.
Use protective gear
Wear gloves and masks when handling birds or working in contaminated areas to stay safe and protected. Wash your hands with soap and water after touching birds.
Cook thoroughly
Cooked eggs and pasteurized milk in general are considered safe for consumers.
To make sure poultry and eggs are safe to eat, cook them to 165˚F. This will kill harmful bacteria and viruses, like bird flu. Wash hands frequently when preparing food. Keep raw poultry separate from cooked or uncooked foods.
Food production officials have been taking steps to prevent the distribution of milk or eggs from infected animals.