Human risk of contracting bird flu is very low, says the CDC
Those most at risk of contracting bird flu are people in close contact with infected animals, such as dairy or poultry workers.
- The first human case of bird flu in Ohio was reported in a farm worker from Mercer County.
- There have been 68 human cases of bird flu in 11 states since January 1, 2024, including one death in Louisiana.
- The overall risk of contracting bird flu remains low, but those in close contact with infected poultry should take precautions.
The first case of bird flu in a human in Ohio has been reported, according to officials.
A farm worker from Mercer County, Ohio, located on the state’s western border along Indiana, came into contact with deceased poultry that was infected with the virus, the Ohio Department of Health announced on Wednesday.
The overall risk to Ohioans remains low, ODH said, but those in close contact with sick or dead poultry or wild birds should take precautions. People should avoid direct contact with wild birds, sick or dead poultry, and other animals.
There have been 68 human cases of bird flu in 11 states since Jan. 1, 2024, including one death in Louisiana, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC has not included the case from Ohio in its data.
Source of bird flu cases
Of the 68 cases:
- 41 were exposed to commercial dairy herds.
- 23 were exposed to commercial poultry farms and culling operations.
- One was exposed to an “other animal source,” which could include backyard flocks, wild birds, or other mammals.
- Three were exposed to an unknown source.
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Where have people been infected?
The following map shows confirmed cases of bird flu across the country:
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What is bird flu?
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a virus that can sometimes spread from infected animals, like birds and cows, to humans, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The virus primarily infects birds
There are multiple subtypes of the bird flu, but H5 subtypes of influenza A are the most common.
The two most common types of avian influenza are the following, according to Cleaveland Clinic:
- Influenza A(H5N1)
- Influenza A(H7N9)
Which animals are most likely to be infected?
Poultry are most likely to have avian influenza, according to the CDC’s data. Around 157.8 million poultry have been affected since 2022 in all 50 states.
Since March 2024, 968 herds of dairy cows in 16 states have been affected by the virus.
Who is most at risk?
People who are most at risk of being infected by bird flu are those who work with poultry, waterfowl, and dairy cows, according to Cleveland Clinic. However, it is rare for the infection to spread from person to person.
While cases of bird flu in humans have been reported, the risk to the general public remains low, according to the CDC.
How does it spread?
A person can be infected with the virus if they touch an object that has been contaminated and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, according to the CDC. The virus can also be spread by handling live and dead animals that are infected.
It can also be spread through eating, drinking or inhaling anything that contains the live virus, like raw, unpasteurized milk.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of those who have been infected with bird flu can range in severity, according to the CDC, from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease resulting in death.
The following are symptoms of bird flu, according to the Cleveland Clinic and CDC:
- Pink eye
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Headaches
- Pneumonia requiring hospitalization
How to avoid being infected
To avoid becoming sick with avian influenza, the CDC recommends the following:
- Avoid contact with sick or dead animals, especially wild birds or poultry.
- People who do have contact with dead animals should wear the recommended recommended personal protective equipment, PPE, which should be provided by an employer at no cost.
Julia is a trending reporter for . You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected]
