More Human H5N1 Cases In Arizona - Pinal and Maricopa Counties?

[niman]

The Arizona cases were linked to poultry operations, a commercial farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. Most human infections have occurred after unprotected exposure to sick or dead infected animals or their environment. Human infections generally occur when the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth or is inhaled from close or prolonged exposure to sick animals or their environments.

https://www.mohavedailynews.com/news/avian-flu-reported-in-arizona/article_b8e5e4b8-b680-11ef-8828-975282430661.html

[niman]

Avian flu reported in Arizona

• Mohave Valley Daily News
•  
  • 6 hrs ago

 

 

 

KINGMAN — The first human cases of H5 avian flu have been identified in Arizona but none have been reported in or near Mohave County.

The first cases were detected in Pinal and Maricopa counties.

"Currently, there are no reported cases of H5N1 in the county," Mohave County Director of Public Health Melissa Palmer said. "We continue to monitor the statewide situation in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Health Services."

Humans infected with avian flu (the H5N1 strain) typically develop mild to severe symptoms, including upper respiratory problems, conjunctivitis, pneumonia and organ failure. There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission is occurring, meaning the risk to the general public remains low.

 

“There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of H5 (avian flu) is occurring to date," the state health department said. "The risk to the general public from H5 remains low."

The Arizona cases were linked to poultry operations, a commercial farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. Most human infections have occurred after unprotected exposure to sick or dead infected animals or their environment. Human infections generally occur when the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth or is inhaled from close or prolonged exposure to sick animals or their environments.

The virus is transmitted from animal-to-animal by direct contact, including eating the remains of infected animals or live in environments with the remains and droppings of infected animals. Though commonly known as the bird flu, the H5N1 strain is known to infect dairy cattle. Rarely, it can also infect rodents, raccoons, skunks and a wide variety of members of the canine and feline families, both wild and domestic.

According to information from the Mohave County Communications Department, Arizona is taking swift and comprehensive action in response to any detections of avian influenza within the state. Specifically, the state is:

• Working with local, state, and federal partners to monitor bird flu in farm animals and people who work closely with poultry and dairy cows.

• Distributing protective gear to farm workers who have contact with infected animals.

• Helping ensure individuals with symptoms of or exposure to bird flu have access to testing and treatment; providing prophylactic treatment to individuals who may have been exposed to bird flu.

• Conducting timely public education efforts to ensure those impacted have information about avian influenza.

To reduce the risk of infection, people should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding and should not consume unpasteurized (raw) dairy products.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been at least 58 human H5 cases in the U.S. this year, including 31 in California. A California farm recently expanded a recall of raw milk sold in stores and halted production after state health and agriculture officials found the flu virus in more milk samples.

[niman]

News Release: Avian Influenza Update

News Release

For Immediate Release: December 6, 2024

Media Contact: Niala Charles

Mobile: 480-318-6337

Email: [email protected]

Avian Influenza Update

PHOENIX- The Arizona Department of Health Services is reporting the first human H5 cases in Arizona. Both individuals were exposed to infected poultry while working at a commercial facility in Pinal County. These individuals reported mild symptoms, received treatment and recovered. 

Avian influenza has been detected in Arizona, including a commercial poultry farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. Most human infections with H5 virus have occurred after unprotected exposure to sick or dead infected animals or their environment. Human infections with H5 can happen when the virus gets in a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or is inhaled from close or prolonged exposure to sick animals or their environments. 

H5 infection in people can range from mild (upper respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis) to severe (pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death). There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of H5 is occurring to date. The risk to the general public from H5 remains low.

Arizona continues to take swift and comprehensive action in response to any detections of avian influenza within the state. Specifically the state is:

• Working with local, state, and federal partners to monitor bird flu in farm animals and people who work closely with poultry and dairy cows.
• Distributing protective gear to farm workers who have contact with infected animals.
• Helping ensure individuals with symptoms of or exposure to bird flu have access to testing and treatment; providing prophylactic treatment to individuals who may have been exposed to bird flu. 
• Conducting timely public education efforts to ensure those impacted have information about avian influenza.

Avian influenza H5 is a novel influenza A virus that primarily affects birds. Although human infections with H5 are rare, exposure to animals infected with influenza A(H5) or environments in which infected animals have been present increase the risk of individuals becoming infected. 

To reduce the risk of infection, people should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding, and should not consume unpasteurized (raw) dairy products. 

*Cases meet the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) probable case definition (PDF). 

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About Us: The Arizona Department of Health Services is committed to the health and well-being of every Arizonan. We provide reliable health information, support critical health services, and promote wellness throughout our state. Whether it’s managing health crises, offering vital resources, or driving community health initiatives, ADHS is here to ensure a healthier and safer Arizona for all

https://directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov/news-release-avian-influenza-update/