Wisconsin Health Officials Report 1st Presumptive Positive Human Case of Bird Flu

Barron County, Wis. — Health officials in Wisconsin have detected a presumptive positive human case of bird flu in a person who was exposed to an infected flock of commercial poultry earlier this month.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced Wednesday that it had detected the first presumptive positive case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1), also known as bird flu, in Barron County.

Health officials said the positive case, which was identified through testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH), is currently pending confirmation at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

The case comes shortly after the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) identified a commercial poultry flock in Barron County that was infected with bird flu.

On December 12, the DATCP announced that it had identified the infected commercial poultry flock and was working with animal health officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on a response.

As a safety measure, poultry and poultry products were not moved from the impacted facility, and birds on the property were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Health officials added that birds from the flock would not enter the food system.

DHS said to date, bird flu cases have not been detected in dairy cattle in the state.

What is HPAI H5N1?

HPAI H5N1 is caused by avian influenza type A (H5N1) viruses and is highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry.

The disease can vary in severity depending on the strain and symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Cough
• Eye infections (Conjunctivitis)

Who is at risk?

According to health officials, the risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low, but people who work with infected animals, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.

Health officials said the virus does not spread easily from animals to people, and those who had fallen ill have been in direct contact with infected animals.

Officials added that the disease can be spread through contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.

Safety Measures

DHS said while it is safe to eat eggs, poultry, and meat that have been fully cooked, as well as pasteurized milk and milk products, the following safety measures should be taken when handling raw meat and raw eggs:

• Wash hands and surfaces before and after food preparation.
• Avoid using the same utensils on raw meat as on other foods, even cooked meat.
• Cook raw meat thoroughly.

Conclusion

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Barron County Health and Human Services are monitoring farm workers who may have been exposed, and the public is advised to take precautions when handling raw meat and eggs.

FAQs

Q: What is the risk to the general public?

A: The risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low.

Q: Who is at higher risk?

A: People who work with infected animals, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.

Q: How is the disease spread?

A: The disease can be spread through contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.

Q: Is it safe to eat eggs, poultry, and meat?

A: Yes, as long as they have been fully cooked, as well as pasteurized milk and milk products.