Ohio Farmer Contracts Bird Flu: What You Need to Know

Ohio has seen its first human case of bird flu during the current outbreak. The infected individual is an adult farmer from Mercer County, located about two hours from Cincinnati. The man came into contact with infected commercial poultry that had already died from the virus. This strain of bird flu is known as influenza A(H5), or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the general risk of bird flu for humans is currently low. However, it's important to take precautions. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) advises avoiding direct contact with wild birds, as well as sick or dead poultry or other animals. If you come across any, it's best to contact your local health department or veterinarian before approaching. For poultry owners, practicing good biosecurity is crucial. This means keeping your birds separate from wild birds. The ODH also recommends using protective equipment such as gloves, N95 or well-fitting face masks, and eye protection when handling sick birds or animals. It's also important to wash your hands thoroughly after touching birds or sick animals, and to avoid touching your face after contact. If you must handle sick birds or animals, change any clothing before contact with healthy birds and animals after dealing with sick ones. This helps prevent the spread of the virus. Outside of Ohio, the CDC has reported a total of 68 human cases of bird flu during this current outbreak, including one death. The majority of these cases have been reported in California, Colorado, and Washington. Bird flu outbreaks are not uncommon. They have been happening for years, and they can be scary. But with the right precautions, the risk to humans can be minimized. It's important to stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your community.