Essential Information on the Bird Flu Outbreak and How You Can Protect Yourself
Bird flu is spreading, and it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your family. Bird flu mostly affects birds, but in some cases, it can make people sick, too. Understanding its origins, symptoms, and prevention measures is crucial to protecting public health.
Origins and Transmission of Bird Flu
Bird flu is caused by a virus typically found in wild aquatic birds like ducks. These birds can spread the virus to chickens and other poultry.
Transmission Vectors
People can catch bird flu by touching sick birds or their droppings, being near surfaces where infected birds have been, breathing in tiny particles near sick birds, or eating raw or undercooked bird products like eggs or milk.
Recent studies have raised concerns about the presence of avian influenza viruses in raw, unpasteurized milk. Research indicates that the H5N1 virus can persist in raw cow milk for several days at refrigeration temperatures, maintaining its infectivity. Experiments have shown that mice consuming contaminated raw milk became infected, highlighting a potential transmission route to humans (Guan et al., 2024).
If someone catches bird flu, the symptoms might resemble the regular flu. This can include:
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Muscle aches
Headaches
Shortness of breath
Eye infections
Diarrhea in severe cases
Severe infections can lead to complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure. If you experience these symptoms after exposure to birds or their environments, seek medical attention immediately.
Vulnerable Populations
Some people are at higher risk of catching bird flu. These include people who work closely with birds, such as farmers or poultry workers, and people who eat raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized milk.
Preventive Measures
Fortunately, there are simple ways to stay safe. Washing your hands often with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. Make sure any chicken or poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or eggs you eat are fully cooked, and avoid drinking raw, unpasteurized milk. Stay away from sick or dead birds; if you see one, report it to your local animal or wildlife office. Clean any surface that might have been near birds using soap or disinfectant to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
How Schools Can Help Prevent Bird Flu
Schools play a critical role in safeguarding children and staff. Here’s how they can contribute to prevention efforts:
- Promote Hygiene Practices
- Ensure Safe Food Handling
- Serve only properly cooked poultry(an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and eggs in school cafeterias.
- Avoid using eggs or poultry from unverified sources.
- Monitor Student Health
- Limit Bird Contact
- Avoid activities involving live birds, such as petting zoos or science projects.
- Follow strict biosecurity measures for school poultry programs.
- Educate Families and Staff
- Distribute informational materials about bird flu prevention and symptoms.
- Partner with local health departments for up-to-date guidance.
What Communities Can Do To Prevent The Virus
Communities can work together to stop the spread of bird flu by sharing information and staying informed. It is essential to follow updates from health organizations like the CDC and report any sick or dead birds to local wildlife officials. Communities should also share information with friends and neighbors to raise awareness about how to prevent the spread of the virus.
The bird flu outbreak underscores the importance of staying informed and proactive to protect public health. While the virus primarily affects birds, its potential to infect humans makes awareness essential. Understanding the symptoms, practicing good hygiene, ensuring safe food handling, and taking community-wide preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Schools and communities must play their part in educating and protecting their populations, especially the most vulnerable. By working together and following expert guidance, we can minimize the impact of bird flu and safeguard the health of our families and communities.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 18). CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update November 18, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-11152024.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, July 31). Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Avian Influenza A Viruses in People. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/index.html
Verywell Health. (2024, November 24). First Confirmed Bird Flu Infection in a U.S. Child Has Public Health Experts on Alert. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/bird-flu-pediatric-case-united-states-8750401
New York Post. (2024, November 24). Bird flu virus detected in raw milk from dairy farm based in Fresno, Calif. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2024/11/24/us-news/bird-flu-virus-detected-in-raw-milk-from-dairy-farm-based-in-fresno-calif/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Talking to Patients about Unpasteurized (Raw) Milk and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A H5N1. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/hcp/unpasteurized-raw-milk/index.html
Guan, L., et al. (2024). Cow’s Milk Containing Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus — Heat Inactivation and Infectivity in Mice. New England Journal of Medicine. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcibr2308231
About Dr. Fredrick Echols, MD
Dr. Fredrick L. Echols, MD is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Population Health and Social Justice Consulting, LLC, an Obama Foundation Global Leader, sought-after public speaker, black men’s health advocate, and accomplished physician with over 15 years of experience in public health. He has worked extensively with public and private sectors to address complex health issues through evidence-informed approaches. Dr. Echols is a graduate of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Population Health Training in Place program and the ASTHO-Morehouse School of Medicine’s Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health program.
Passionate about health and justice, Dr . Echols’ notable roles include serving as Chief Executive Officer for Cure Violence Global, Health Commissioner for the City of St. Louis, and Director of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness for the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. In these roles, he oversaw public health regulations, led COVID-19 response efforts, managed daily operations, and developed strategic partnerships. Dr. Echols also served as Chief of Communicable Diseases for the Illinois Department of Public Health and as a physician in the U.S. Navy. He continues to contribute to public health research and guides health organizations globally.
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