
Cases of Avian influenza, more commonly known as “bird flu,” have been cropping up around the Chicago area in recent days, sparking questions regarding the potential threat to animals and humans alike.
The news comes in the wake of a recent CDC report which indicated that a new mutation of bird flu could make the virus more easily transmissible from animals to humans.
But just what is bird flu, how does it spread, and what can Chicagoans do to stay safe? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Bird Flu?
According to the CDC, H5N1 bird flu is a disease caused by avian influenza A viruses. The illness most commonly spreads between animals, not humans.
While there are numerous subtypes of the disease, the H5N1 strain is the one currently circulating worldwide, causing outbreaks in the U.S. and other countries.
How does the virus spread?
Bird flu is primarily transmitted between animals. In rare cases, infected animals can pass the virus to humans.
The virus spreads through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, including saliva, mucus, feces, and milk. Additionally, it can spread via contaminated surfaces.
What are the symptoms in humans?
Common symptoms of bird flu in humans can present as runny nose, eye redness and irritation, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Less common symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In serious cases, symptoms including shortness of breath, high fever, seizures, and altered consciousness may occur.
How is bird flu treated?
Antivirals can treat bird flu but early treatment is imperative.
According to the CDC, anyone exposed to infected animals should immediately seek medical attention. Ideally, treatment should begin within 48 hours after exposure.
Where has the virus been identified?
There have been no reported case of bird flu in Illinois so far.
However, transmission of the virus among animals has occurred. According to multiple reports, the virus wiped out a large flock of chickens at a farm in suburban Matteson last month.
Sick and dead birds have been found along the shores of Lake Michigan in recent days, with public health officials confirming the presence of H5N1 in the affected animals, according to a report from the Chicago Tribune.
The virus poses a serious threat to livestock, including chickens and cows, with potential negative impacts on the U.S. food supply.
The CDC has documented isolated cases in Texas, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Larger outbreaks have been reported in California (38 cases), Washington state (11 cases), and Colorado (10 cases).
Who is most at risk?
The CDC considers the current public health risk to be low but continues to monitor the situation.
Populations at higher risk include individuals with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and those in frequent contact with livestock or wild animals, such as veterinarians, zoo workers, and food processing employees.
Additionally, bird flu presents a significant threat to household pets, especially cats. To protect pets, keep them indoors and prevent contact with wild animals like birds or mice.
Avoid feeding pets raw food, as bird flu can spread through infected raw meat and dairy.
How to prevent transmission
The CDC recommends avoiding exposure to potential sources of infection. This includes:
- Avoiding contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals.
- Avoiding surfaces contaminated with animal secretions, such as bedding material or litter.
- Avoiding the consumption of raw dairy and meat products.
While raw animal products have gained popularity in recent years for their purported health benefits, consuming them increases the risk of bird flu.
Always purchase pasteurized milk and cook meat products to a safe internal temperature before eating.