Can People Get Sick from Bird Flu?
Public health risk currently low but still concerning
Public health risk currently low but still concerning
Concerns about avian influenza A (H5N1), also known as bird flu, have grown in the United States. There have been outbreaks in poultry, dairy cows and other mammals.
Though bird flu infections in humans are rare, there have been several recent human cases in dairy and poultry workers in the U.S.
The risk of bird flu spreading to humans remains low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bird flu is a disease that is usually spread between birds, not people. However, there are growing concerns for people who come into close contact with infected animals. There is also concern that the virus could mutate and spread more easily 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.”
Preventing bird flu
To protect against the bird flu in the United States, extensive steps have been taken, including culling of poultry. This has caused chicken egg prices to rise sharply and further raised the concern level in the U.S.
The CDC recommends that people avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry and other animals. Observe them only from a distance. If you must be close to sick or dead animals, wear the recommended personal protective equipment. This includes goggles or face shield, gloves, coveralls, head cover and boots.
Washing your hands with soap and water often helps stop the spread of viruses. This is especially important after cooking or touching birds or other animals, especially if they are sick.
The CDC also recommends:
- Do not touch surfaces or materials, like animal litter or bedding, that have saliva, mucus or animal feces. This is especially important if these come from birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected bird flu.
- Do not touch or eat raw bird products, especially from animals with bird flu.
- Choosing pasteurized milk and products made with pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe.
- Cook poultry, eggs and beef to a safe internal temperature. This helps kill bacteria and viruses. Learn more about foods that can cause food poisoning.
Public health officials are asking people to contact their local health department if they think they have been exposed to bird flu.
What is bird flu?
The H5N1 subtype Avian influenza A viruses 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 the late 1990s. Since then, human infections have been reported in multiple countries, with a significant portion resulting in severe illness or death.
While cases declined for a period, bird flu infections in people have recently been on the rise again. Health officials continue to monitor outbreaks, with certain regions experiencing higher case numbers than others, particularly in California, according to the CDC.
Most bird flu cases in humans in California during this recent outbreak came from contact with infected dairy cattle. The California Department of Public Health says most human cases are linked to exposure at dairy farms.
The state health department recommends drinking only pasteurized dairy products. This is because the bird flu virus can be found in raw milk. It also recommends taking precautions if you have a backyard flock. Remember to keep your birds separate from pets and other animals.
Most cases of bird flu in the United States have caused mild symptoms. Some infections have led to serious illness. The first death from the bird flu happened earlier this year in Louisiana. It involved a person over age 65 with underlying health conditions.
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.
In more serious cases, symptoms can escalate quickly. Pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome are potential complications.
The time from when a person gets bird flu to when they show symptoms is between two and seven days, with an average of about three days. Eye symptoms, like redness and irritation, can appear one to two days after infection.
People are thought to be contagious during the first few days of their illness. Those with severe disease who need hospitalization may have high levels of the virus in their lungs and can be contagious for several weeks.
If you feel ill after exposure to infected birds, health officials advise 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 can help treat bird flu. They work best when started early, as symptoms appear. Delaying treatment can lead to complications and worsen the condition.
Currently, bird flu vaccines are not readily available to the general public. They are still under development and testing. Health professionals prioritize these for high-risk groups, such as poultry workers.
The regular seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against bird flu. However, it can lower the risk of getting both human and bird flu at the same time. The flu vaccine may also reduce the chance of human and bird flu viruses mixing and becoming more dangerous.