Arizona takes preventative action following the state’s first human cases of avian flu.
According to a December 6 Arizona Department of Health Services Press Release, two individuals in Pinal County have become Arizona’s first confirmed human cases of H5 avian influenza (also called bird flu) after being exposed while working at a commercial poultry facility. Both patients experienced mild symptoms and have since recovered following treatment.
The cases emerge as avian influenza continues to spread in Arizona, with infections detected at a commercial poultry operation in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. Health officials emphasize that while concerning, the risk to the general public remains low.
“There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of H5 is occurring to date,” stated the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) in their announcement.
Understanding avian flu transmission & symptoms
H5 infections in humans typically occur through close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. The virus can enter through the eyes, nose, and mouth or be inhaled during prolonged exposure to sick animals or their surroundings.
Symptoms can range from mild upper respiratory issues and eye inflammation to severe complications like pneumonia and organ failure in rare cases.
State response & prevention measures
Arizona has implemented a comprehensive response plan that includes:
- Collaborative monitoring of bird flu cases in farm animals and workers with local, state, and federal partners
- Distribution of protective equipment to at-risk farm workers
- Ensuring access to testing and treatment for exposed individuals
- Public education campaigns about avian influenza risks and prevention
To minimize infection risk, health officials advise avoiding unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their environment. The public should also avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
Read More Here
Read More Arizona News
This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics.
