Bird flu in the U.S.
What you need to know (and why you probably shouldn't panic).
Have you heard of the bird flu outbreak in the US? the
recent issue? Don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you. Bird flu, also known as
bird flu, sounds scary, but let’s get the facts straight.
what happened?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recently announced that a dairy farm worker in Texas tested positive for the
H5N1 avian influenza strain. This is only the second human case reported in the
United States, with the first occurring in 2022 in Colorado.
Here's the key point:
This person likely got the virus from infected dairy
cows, not chickens or turkeys you buy at the store. The bird flu outbreak has
affected poultry farms across the United States beginning in 2022, but this is
the first time it has made the jump to other livestock, such as cattle.
Is this a big
deal?
The CDC says the risk to the general public remains low. Avian influenza does not spread easily from person to person, and the close contact that farm workers had with cattle is not uncommon for most people However, this situation should be noted. The CDC is on high alert to see if the virus continues to spread in mammals or mutates in a way that makes humans more infectious.
What should I be
doing?
The good news here is that you don’t have to change
your lifestyle just yet. But it’s always best to stay informed and take some
basic precautions:
• Cook chicken thoroughly:
This is true for any bird flu situation. Make sure
your chicken, turkey, or duck reaches 165°F (74°C) to kill any possible
bacteria.
• Do not touch sick or dead birds:
This is a general rule for anyone who encounters a
wild bird. If you find a sick or
dead chicken or an any specie belong to bird, leave it alone and inform it to
your local wildlife agency.
Wash your hands often:
This is a great way to prevent the
spread of many viruses, including bird flu. Use soap and water for at least 20
seconds, especially around animals or their droppings.
Can
I get bird flu from eating eggs?
There is no risk of contracting
bird flu from undercooked eggs or poultry products. The bacteria cannot survive
the high temperatures used in cooking.
What
about my pets?
Watch your pets, especially if they
spend time outside. If they come in contact with sick, dead birds, wash them
thoroughly and check for signs of illness such as fatigue, vomiting, difficulty
breathing, etc. If concerned, consult a veterinarian.
Should
I be worried?
Caution is always okay, but then,
there’s no need to panic. The CDC takes this situation seriously and will keep
the public updated. You can further reduce the risk by following the simple
precautions mentioned above. It is because flu can spread from one specie to
another by many ways which should be taken serious and take care of the people
around you to not get close to birds that are infected especially chickens.
Can
people get bird flu from other people?
Although it is possible, it is very
rare. Most cases of bird flu are from close contact with infected birds. The
current strain showed no signs of being easily transmissible in humans. It is
somehow occurred when people are more in contact with such kind of birds that
are infected or dealing a community of species that belong to birds.
What’s
next?
The CDC is working with state
health departments and animal health officials to monitor the situation. They
are researching the virus and developing a plan to prevent further spread.
By being informed and taking basic precautions,
you can protect yourself and your family. Remember, knowledge is power, and a
little vigilance goes a long way!
Staying Informed
Here are some reliable sources for the latest
information on bird flu:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm
- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections
- The World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/surveillance/avian-influenza
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