Madera County Reports First Two Human Bird Flu Cases
What is bird flu?
Bird flu is a respiratory disease that can affect both birds and humans. Avian influenza A (H5N1) is a specific strain of bird flu that has been causing outbreaks in birds around the world. The virus can spread from infected birds to humans through contact with their saliva, nasal secretions, or feces. Human cases of bird flu are rare, but they can be serious and even fatal.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
The symptoms of bird flu in humans can vary, but they typically include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
How is bird flu treated?
There is no specific treatment for bird flu. Treatment is supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
How can I prevent bird flu?
There are a number of things you can do to prevent bird flu, including:
- Avoid contact with sick birds or their droppings.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling birds or their droppings.
- Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly.
- Do not eat raw or undercooked poultry or eggs.
- Stay away from areas where there have been outbreaks of bird flu.
What is the outlook for people who get bird flu?
The outlook for people who get bird flu depends on the severity of their illness. Most people who get bird flu recover fully, but some people may develop serious complications, such as pneumonia or respiratory failure. In rare cases, bird flu can be fatal.
What is the risk of bird flu to the general public?
The risk of bird flu to the general public is low. However, people who work with birds or poultry are at higher risk of exposure to the virus. People who travel to areas where there have been outbreaks of bird flu are also at higher risk of exposure.
What is being done to prevent the spread of bird flu?
There are a number of things that are being done to prevent the spread of bird flu, including:
- Surveillance for bird flu in birds and humans.
- Vaccination of poultry.
- Quarantine of infected birds and humans.
- Education of the public about bird flu.
