The Silent Spread of the Bird Flu

The first U.S. death from avian influenza, commonly known as "bird flu," has been reported in Louisiana, linked to a traveler from California. This tragic case underscores the ongoing public health threat posed by the bird flu, prompting heightened vigilance. California has issued an advisory urging residents and healthcare providers to stay informed and take precautions as cases emerge. While bird flu may not dominate headlines, its risks remain significant, and the latest developments serve as a stark reminder of the importance of awareness and prevention

The bird flu is an infectious virus that can have severe implications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as seniors, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Vigilance during outbreaks is crucial, as is understanding how bird flu spreads and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. We can minimize risks and safeguard public health by staying informed and taking proactive measures.

What is the Bird Flu?

Bird flu viruses are primarily spread among birds but can pose significant risks to humans. The most concerning strains, H5N1 H5N6, H5N8, H5N9 and H7N9, have demonstrated the ability to jump from birds to humans, often resulting in severe illness. While rare, at times these infections can be severe, with a high mortality rate in humans. Currently, avian influenza H5N1 is spreading globally among wild birds and has led to sporadic outbreaks in U.S. poultry and livestock, including dairy cows. These developments highlight the ongoing and serious threat of bird flu to both human and animal health worldwide. According to the California Department of Public Health, while the current risk to the public remains low, there has been reports of 37 confirmed human cases thus far.

How Does the Bird Flu Spread?

Live bird markets, poultry farms and improper handling of poultry products are common sources of exposure. Families living in rural areas or who have poultry in their backyard, and those who work with recreational exposures to infected animals should be especially cautious and follow the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s recommended precautions.

Bird flu primarily spreads through direct contact with infected birds or cattle including their feces, saliva, mucus, bodily fluids (such as unpasteurized cow milk), or contaminated surfaces. A person can get sick by:

• The most common way humans contract bird flu is through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or secretions, such as saliva or mucus. Handling infected poultry or surfaces contaminated with the virus can also pose risks. While bird flu viruses can become airborne in small droplets, such as from bird feces or respiratory secretions, sustained aerosol transmission between humans has not been documented.
• Eating or drinking something contaminated with the live virus such as poultry meat, eggs, or milk. Properly cooked poultry at 165 F and eggs at 160 F are safe to eat. The heat from cooking destroys the virus. However, consuming undercooked or raw poultry products from infected birds can pose a risk.
• A liquid contaminated with the live virus splashes into your eyes (such as raw milk from an infected cow). 
• Handling sick or dead animals infected with the virus. 

While a strain of avian influenza is showing signs of adaption to human hosts, it is still rare for the bird flu to be transmitted from person-to-person, and there have been no reported cases of human-to-human transmission.

Impact on One’s Health

Outbreaks of bird flu can have severe and sometimes life-threatening consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations. Although the threat isn’t high in California, if you have caught the virus or have symptoms indicating a possibility, it is important to maintain distance and quarantine to minimize potential risks. The virus primarily targets the upper respiratory tract and lungs but can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, leading to severe complications.

Common symptoms of the bird flu include:

• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)

While these symptoms range from mild to severe, vulnerable communities are at a significantly higher risk of severe illness or death. The CDC highlights that children under 5 years old and adults over 65 years are particularly vulnerable to complications, which may include:

• Pneumonia
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Secondary bacterial infections
• Sepsis
• Brain swelling (meningoencephalitis)
• Respiratory failure 

Young children are naturally curious and may unknowingly encounter birds or contaminated surfaces, increasing their risk of exposure. Parents should be aware that even indirect contact, such as playing with contaminated water source can still pose a threat. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking medical attention promptly is critical.

How to Protect Your Family from Bird Flu

Preventing bird flu starts with informed actions and safe practices. By minimizing exposure and following essential safety guidelines, families can significantly reduce their risk of infection. Here’s how to stay protected:

Practice Safe Poultry Handling

• Avoid touching live or dead birds, especially areas with reported outbreaks. 
• Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry and make sure not cross-contaminated with other food or items. 
• Disinfect surfaces where poultry may have touched and washed utensils that had been touched by poultry before re-using them again.

Cook Poultry Thoroughly

• Ensure poultry and eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to kill any potential viruses.
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked poultry products.

Stay Informed

• Follow reliable sources like the CDC, WHO and local health departments for updates on bird flu outbreaks
• Be cautious of misinformation and disinformation online and always verify information through trust channels. 

Stay Protected

• For individuals with direct or close contact with wild birds, sick or dead poultry, and other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Birds can be infected with the avian influenzas even if they do not look like sick.
• While there is no universal vaccine for the bird flu, the seasonal flu vaccine can reduce the risk of getting sick with human and bird flu viruses at the same time and prevents serious complications. 

Prepare for Emergencies

• Get well-stocked on medical supplies such as first-aid kits, clean water, non-perishable food, and other necessities in case of quarantine. 
• Ensure you have masks, gloves, and sanitizers readily available for immediate use. 

Awareness and preparation are critical in managing outbreaks of bird flu or any other infectious disease. By staying informed, taking preventive steps and seeking medical advice, families can significantly reduce their risk of exposure. During outbreaks, it’s important remain calm and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting the virus. While the bird flu may not be a daily concern for everyone; it still has an impact on public health that cannot be disregarded.

Keeping You Informed & Well Locally

When it comes to protecting your family from infectious diseases like the bird flu, MemorialCare Medical Group – Santa Ana is here to help. As part of our commitment to community health, we offer a wide range of services and resources to safeguard families during outbreaks by providing guidance and prevention, safe practices, and symptom monitoring through our diagnostic testing and 24/7 virtual urgent care video visits, empowering families to stay productive in the new year.

Additionally, we offer flu vaccinations and travel immunizations to strengthen your family’s defenses against respiratory illnesses, providing reassurance and comfort in knowing that you and your loved ones are well taken care of.

Regardless of your location, keeping you and your family healthy is our primary purpose. For families seeking medical advice from the comfort of their home, MemorialCare Medical Group - Huntington Beach offers virtual visits through our secure telehealth system, delivering first-class healthcare appointments in minutes.

MemorialCare Medical Group – Santa Ana is deeply committed to protecting families and communities from infectious diseases and provides comprehensive, expert care and advanced treatment to do so. For families seeking medical advice, the care team are specially trained to recognize and treat avian influenza symptoms, ensuring prompt and accurate diagnosis.

If you think you have been exposed from travels or from contact during the holidays, make an appointment, or speak with a Telephone Advice Nurse, available 24/7 at (877) 696-3622.