US CDC Issues Bird Flu Advisory: Precautions to Know

On Friday, April 5, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert concerning the current avian influenza outbreak, highlighting a case where a farm worker in Texas tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu strain. The CDC noted that the virus found in the individual closely resembles strains previously detected in both cattle and birds within the state, but reassured there is no evidence of the virus being transmitted from person to person at this moment.

The health agency reassured the public that the risk posed by the H5N1 virus is currently considered low. It detailed that the affected individual in Texas had been in contact with possibly infected cattle and experienced conjunctivitis as a symptom. The patient is on the mend after being advised to isolate and receiving antiviral treatment.

To minimize the risk of infection, the CDC advised the public, especially those who might come into contact with infected animals or their environments, to adhere to certain safety measures:

– People should avoid direct contact with sick or deceased animals, spanning wild birds, poultry, and other domestic or wild animals, including cattle.
– Exposure to feces, animal bedding, or other materials contaminated by potentially infected animals should be avoided.
– The CDC recommends against the consumption of raw or undercooked animal products, like unpasteurized milk or raw cheeses, from animals suspected of being infected with the bird flu virus.
– The agency confirmed that commercially available milk is safe for consumption as it undergoes pasteurization, a process that eliminates harmful pathogens, including influenza viruses.
– Properly cooked poultry is deemed safe for consumption.

The CDC also provided specific guidance for those involved in farming or livestock management, urging them to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like N95 masks, eye protection, and gloves when dealing with potentially infected animals or their environments, and to maintain good hygiene practices by washing hands thoroughly after such contacts.