Health Services Agency

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

What is Avian Influenza?

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is caused by strains of the flu virus that primarily infect birds and can spread quickly among them. They are novel influenza viruses, meaning they are different from the seasonal flu virus strains that commonly circulate among humans. Bird flu can sometimes infect other animals and humans. A strain of bird flu, H5N1, is currently widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in dairy cows and commercial poultry operations in the U.S. People working with infected birds, cattle, or other animals are most at risk of becoming infected with bird flu.

How does bird flu spread?

Bird flu primarily spreads through contact with infected livestock, birds, their feces, or environments contaminated by the virus. The risk to the general public is low, but people who work with infected animals are at increased risk.

You may be at risk if you:

• Work with infected wild birds, poultry, or livestock.
• Have been exposed to contaminated litter, surfaces, or other equipment.
• Have been exposed to raw cow milk from infected cows.

Symptoms of bird flu:

Human infections with bird flu can range from mild to severe, with symptoms appearing within 10 days of exposure. Symptoms include:

• Fever (Temperature of 100°F or higher)
• Feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Eye tearing, redness, or irritation
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Steps to protect yourself:

1. Avoid Contact with Sick or Dead Birds.
2. Use Protective Gear. If you work with infected livestock, poultry, or birds, you should always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and goggles.
3. Practice Good Hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after handling birds or being outdoors.

What to do if you are exposed and symptomatic:

If you believe you have been exposed to bird flu, either through contact with infected livestock, poultry, or a symptomatic individual, and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, follow these steps:

1. Contact a Healthcare Provider: Inform your provider about your exposure and symptoms. Wear a mask if you go into a healthcare facility.
2. Get Tested: Your provider may recommend testing, which includes collecting respiratory and conjunctival swabs for laboratory analysis.
3. Isolate: Stay home, isolate yourself in a separate room, and avoid contact with others, especially vulnerable household members.

You may be contacted by Stanislaus County Public Health if you were exposed to bird flu through your work. Notify Stanislaus County Public Health if you are having symptoms.

For healthcare providers:

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the risk of bird flu in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms and recent bird or animal exposure. Follow these steps:

• Testing and Specimen Collection: Collect nasopharyngeal, throat, or conjunctival swabs for testing. Severe cases may require lower respiratory tract specimens.
• Treatment: Initiate antiviral treatment (oseltamivir, zanamivir, or baloxavir) as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset, even before test results are confirmed.
• Infection Control: Implement standard, contact, and airborne precautions when treating suspected or confirmed cases. Isolate patients in a single room with a closed door.
• Inform Stanislaus County Public Health: Suspected or confirmed bird flu cases must be reported immediately to Stanislaus County Public Health. Providers can submit cases through the CalREDIE system under the "Influenza-Novel Strain" condition.

For more information, please contact the Communicable Disease Prevention Section at 209-558-5678 or CDNurse@schsa.org.