Human infections with influenza A viruses from animals are uncommon. People with exposure to infected birds, livestock, or other animals have a greater risk of influenza A virus infection, including H5 bird flu. These include poultry and dairy farm workers, hunters, backyard or hobbyist flock owners, wildlife rehabilitators, and fair exhibitors. People with job-related or recreational exposures to birds or infected mammals should take appropriate precautions to protect against bird flu.
District Outreach
LFHD is reaching out to organizations and groups of people who may have job-related or recreational exposures to birds or other avian influenza A(H5) virus-infected animals to share updated information and prevention recommendations. If you have a business or belong to a group who has exposure to birds or mammals, please contact Clarissa Bonnefond, District Epidemiologist, to learn more about the education and resources LFHD can provide to you and your staff or organization!
Clarissa Bonnefond, MPH
Phone: 540-771-3725
Email: clarissa.bonnefond@vdh.virginia.gov
Public Health Response
When H5 bird flu is detected in birds or other animals that may have been in contact with people in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) conducts a public health response to complement the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' (VDACS) animal health response. Detections of H5 bird flu in birds are expected as the bird flu virus is currently widely circulating in the environment.
At this time, there are no reports of H5 bird flu infections in people or cattle in Virginia.
Examples of some recent animal health responses that VDH supported include:
- On January 16, VDACS announced that testing of a commercial poultry flock in Accomack County returned presumptive positive results for H5 bird flu.
- On January 20, the Metro Richmond Zoo announced H5 bird flu detections in two deceased cranes.
What does VDH and LFHD do when public health learns of an H5 detection in birds?
- 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.
If you develop symptoms after an exposure, you should see a healthcare provider. 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). 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.