 Friday, February 14, 2025
What to know about avian influenza (H5 bird flu)
 Avian influenza A H5, also known as the “H5 bird flu”, is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows. Dozens of cases have been reported in cats which are known to be particularly susceptible to severe influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 68 human cases of H5 bird flu have been reported in the United States, including one death. Nearly all identified cases had known exposure to infected animals. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of H5 bird flu.
H5 bird flu in Kentucky
There have not been any human cases of H5 bird flu in Kentucky. However, the virus has been found in wild birds (waterfowl) in several Commonwealth counties – including in Jefferson County – according to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. So far in Kentucky, there have been no detections of this virus in poultry, dairy cattle, or cats.
Who’s at risk?
“The CDC considers the public health risk to be low. At this time, we have had no detection of human cases of H5 bird flu in Jefferson County,” said Dr. Kris Bryant, associate medical director at the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. “We are sharing this information to inform the community of the ongoing situation, especially people who work closely with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them. They are considered at higher risk.”
Prevention measures
The best way to protect yourself from H5 bird flu is to avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals or birds. If you do come across sick or dead wildlife, notify the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. Other prevention measures include:
- Practicing good hand washing, especially after handling animals, birds, their waste, food, water, bedding or other equipment
- Safe food handling: Fully cook meat products to the correct internal temperature before eating
- Avoid consuming unpasteurized raw milk or cheese
- Keep pets away from sick or dead animals and birds and their feces
H5 bird flu is not contributing to the seasonal flu surge we are seeing currently. Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses; however, flu vaccination can reduce the chances of getting sick with human influenza viruses and the risk of being infected with seasonal and H5 bird flu at the same time.
Symptoms
Symptoms of avian flu in humans range from mild flu-like illness (fever, cough, conjunctivitis or “pink eye”) to severe (difficulty breathing, pneumonia, death). People should notify public health officials and seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms after exposure to birds, animals or their environments.
To learn more about avian flu visit the CDC’s “Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)” webpage and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) website.
Healthy Start event helps you to keep
your infant safe and sound
Enlarge graphic to view details
Accidents happen. Our Healthy Start program is here to help you learn "Infant First-Aid, CPR and Car Seat Safety" at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the South Central Regional Library, 7300 Jefferson Blvd.
Learn from experts on how to keep your infant and child safe and receive safety items including electrical outlet covers, medicine safety boxes and much more.
A raffle will be held for large items such as car seats and pack n' plays. Refreshments will also be served.
We invite you to hear from other families who have benefited from our events.
Other classes being offered include pregnancy and birthing workshops, financial classes and courses on essential safety tips. Please visit our webpage for a listing of these informative classes.
Recognizing individuals who shaped public health
Learn how to fuel the fight against hunger with data
Enlarge graphic to view details
Dare to Care will present "Using Data to Fuel the Fight Against Hunger" at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 at Republic Bank YMCA, 1720 W. Broadway.
Join panelists Vincent James, president and CEO of Dare to Care, Shawn Herbig, president of IQS Research, Ozzy Gibson, executive director of TARC, Dr. Monalisa Taylor, internal medicine, Norton Healthcare and moderator Kristal Goodner Spratt for a discussion on leveraging data to combat hunger. This community event kicks off by showcasing data on the barriers, gaps and opportunities to address food insecurity in our local community.
Be sure to use this link to register or scan the QR code above to be a part of the conversation about building a more nourished community for all.
Join us
Public health is based on the idea that everyone should have an equal chance to be as healthy and safe as possible. Our team aims to help every member of the community.
Visit our Metro job opportunities webpage to learn more about how you can make a difference in the community.
For more information, please email LMPHWCareers@louisvilleky.gov.
|
