H5 Bird Flu Response in Virginia

Bird flu is a disease caused by avian influenza A viruses that usually spread between birds, not people. H5 bird flu is a subtype of influenza A virus that infects wild birds and can spread to domestic birds and poultry, and other animals such as cows. It occasionally infects people, and it’s very rare for it to be transmitted from person to person. 

The current public health risk is low for H5 bird flu. People with job-related or recreational exposure to birds or other similar animals are at greater risk of infection. Most H5 bird flu infections in people occurred after unprotected exposure to infected poultry or animals.  

People with exposure to infected birds, livestock, or other animals have a greater risk of bird flu. At highest risk are poultry and dairy farm workers, hunters, backyard or hobbyist flock owners, and fair exhibitors. 

• Wash your hands after touching birds and animals, especially at zoos and agricultural fairs.   

• Do not touch sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals.  

• • Report sick or dead wildlife to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources via the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 855-571-9003. 

• Do not drink unpasteurized (raw) milk or eat raw milk products, like cheese. 

• Get the seasonal flu vaccine. People at increased risk for exposure to bird flu should receive a seasonal flu vaccine. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions. 

• • Getting the seasonal flu vaccine can lower the risk of being infected with both seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time. Getting vaccinated also reduces the chance of severe illness from seasonal flu. 

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to touch sick or dead birds or other animals, or carcasses, feces, milk, or litter from sick birds. 

• Wear PPE when around sick or dead birds or other animals suspected or confirmed to be infected with H5 virus. 

• Backyard poultry owners are encouraged to practice biosecurity. Biosecurity reduces the chance of poultry being exposed to disease.  

• • Contact your vet or local extension agent if you notice illness or sudden death. 

• More guidance for specific groups can be found on the VDH webpage. 

Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from no symptoms to mild illness. Symptoms can include eye redness and mild flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, and tiredness). Symptoms can also be more severe (like pneumonia) and require hospitalization. Less common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures. 

For more information: Signs and Symptoms of Bird Flu in People 

See a healthcare provider if you become ill after an exposure, even if symptoms are mild. Let the provider know of contact with sick birds, poultry, cattle, or other animals. Stay away from other people (isolate) and do not go to work or school until you have been evaluated. Antiviral drugs that are used to treat seasonal flu are also used to treat bird flu infections. They are most effective when taken within 48 hours of when symptoms start. 

Notify your local health department for additional guidance and recommendations. 

• Works closely with VDACS, federal animal health partners, and industry representatives to identify people potentially exposed to birds while they were infectious and/or contaminated environments. 

• Interviews potentially exposed people to assess their exposure risk and enroll them in public health monitoring, as needed. The responsibility of monitoring the health of exposed people is often shared between local, state, and federal officials. 

• Quickly coordinates medical evaluations, testing, and antiviral treatment for people who become ill with compatible symptoms (e.g., conjunctivitis, flu-like illness) after an exposure. 

• Shares clinical and public health guidance for prevention, monitoring, and public health investigations with local partners and health care providers.   

Clinicians should consider the possibility of avian influenza virus infection in people showing signs or symptoms of acute respiratory illness and/or conjunctivitis who have a relevant exposure history. Learn more about what to do if avian influenza virus is suspected.

January 31 Avian Flu Updated for Clinicians