Washington state Human H5N1 cases 2024 - 14 confirmed & probable cases - October 20, 2024+

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/pre...7c0d276b1.html

Presumed human infections of avian influenza under investigation in Franklin County
Jake Webley, NonStop Local Content Manager 1 hr ago


FRANKLIN COUNTY, Wash. - Four agricultural workers working with infected poultry at a commercial egg farm in Franklin County have tested presumptively positive for avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

These are the first presumed human cases of the H5 virus under investigation in Washington State.

According to a news release from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), testing of other individuals on the farm is pending, and the potential number of cases may change following the investigation...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://dailyfly.com/media-advisory-...hington-state/


Washington State News
Media Advisory: First presumed human infections of avian influenza under investigation in Washington state
October 20, 2024
Published 1 min ago

WA Department of Health

For immediate release: October 20, 2024

First presumed human infections of avian influenza under investigation in Washington state
Workers developed symptoms after working with infected poultry
WHAT: Washington State is actively investigating the first presumptively positive cases of avian influenza in Washington after working with infected poultry at a commercial egg farm in Franklin County. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD), and Washington State Department of Agriculture (WA Agr) will be providing an update on the situation and what steps are being taken to mitigate the spread.

WHO: Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Washington State Secretary of Health
Dr. Scott Lindquist, MD, MPH, State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases, DOH
Dr. Beth Lipton, State Public Health Veterinarian, DOH
Sierra Knutsen, Surveillance and Investigation Manager, BFHD
Steven Kraeger, MD, Local Health Officer, BFHD
Representative from WA Dept of Agriculture (invited)

WHEN: Sunday, October 20 from 1 p.m.

WHERE: Virtual link for media only: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83344604549

[Treyfish]

First presumed human infections of avian influenza under investigation in Washington state


For immediate release: Oct 20, 2024 (24-122)

Contact: DOH Communications First presumed human infections of avian influenza under investigation in Washington state


Workers developed symptoms after working with infected poultry

OLYMPIA – Four agricultural workers tested presumptively positive for avian influenza after working with infected poultry at a commercial egg farm in Franklin County. The individuals experienced mild symptoms and have been provided with antiviral medication. Testing of additional individuals on the farm is currently pending and the number of cases under investigation may change.

These are the first presumed human cases of H5 virus under investigation in Washington state. The cases took place at a farm that was the site of an avian influenza outbreak in chickens. About 800,000 birds were euthanized after test results by the Washington State Department of Agriculture on Oct. 15 showed that they were infected with avian influenza.

The Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) conducted health checks of exposed workers and coordinated testing at the Washington State Public Health Lab. The samples have been forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for final confirmation and analysis of the virus.

Benton-Frankin Health District and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) are working with the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the CDC on the regional response to this outbreak. DOH and BFHD have provided personal protective equipment to workers on the farm, are monitoring exposed workers for symptoms of avian influenza, and are providing testing, vaccines, and treatment for symptomatic workers.

Any employees or contractors who may have worked on a poultry farm in Benton or Franklin counties since Oct. 7 should contact BFHD at 509-460-4550 if they have symptoms such as red eyes or respiratory infections.
Washington is the sixth state to identify a human infection of H5N1. H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has caused ongoing multistate outbreaks in poultry, dairy cattle, and wildlife.

“Washington has monitored the spread of H5N1 closely since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is prepared with the knowledge, relationships, and tools to minimize its impacts on our community,” said Washington Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah.

The DOH has worked in partnership with the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to respond to detections of H5N1 in animals in the state, and to monitor the health of people exposed to infected animals. The DOH has worked with these animal health partners to distribute personal protective equipment and informational materials to dairy and poultry farmers.…

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/first-presumed-human-infections-avian-influenza-under-investigation-washington-state

[Commonground]

Media
10/20/24
Four farm workers in Washington appear to test positive for bird flu

Excerpt:

Dr. Steven Krager, the local health officer for Benton and Franklin counties, said the workers had shown signs of mild upper respiratory illness, including runny nose, sore throat, and mild cough, as well as conjunctivitis — often referred to as “pink eye.”

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/10/20/four-farm-workers-in-washington-appear-to-test-positive-for-bird-flu/

[Pathfinder]

Learn About Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)

Posted on 10/17/2024

Updated 10/20/24 First Presumed Human Cases of Avian Influenza in Washington State

Four agricultural workers tested presumptively positive for avian influenza after working with infected poultry at a commercial egg farm in Franklin County. The individuals experienced mild symptoms and have been provided with antiviral medication. Testing of additional individuals on the farm is currently pending and the number of cases under investigation may change.

These are the first presumed human cases of H5 virus under investigation in Washington state. The cases took place at a farm that was the site of an avian influenza outbreak in chickens. About 800,000 birds were euthanized after test results by the Washington State Department o DOH and BFHD have provided personal protective equipment to workers on the farm, are monitoring exposed workers for symptoms of avian influenza, and are providing testing, vaccines, and treatment for symptomatic workers.

Any employees or contractors who may have worked on a poultry farm in Benton or Franklin counties since Oct. 7 should contact BFHD at 509-460-4550 if they have symptoms such as red eyes or respiratory infections.

With avian influenza (commonly known as 'bird flu') in the news, many people may wonder whether it’s safe to consume poultry products. The good news is that chicken, eggs, and other poultry are safe to eat when properly handled and thoroughly cooked.

Avian influenza is a disease that occurs naturally in wild bird populations such as ducks, geese, and swans. However, when it spreads to domestic birds like chickens and turkeys, it can be highly dangerous. While rare, humans can contract bird flu, typically through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces.

How to Stay Safe

Though the risk of bird flu to the general public is low, it’s still important to follow basic safety precautions when handling poultry products. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

• • Cook poultry thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any viruses.
  • Wash your hands and sanitize surfaces after handling raw poultry.
  • Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat separate from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
  • Don’t wash poultry before cooking to prevent spreading germs.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your favorite poultry products without concern.

Reporting Sick or Dead Birds
If you notice sick or dead birds, it’s important not to touch or move them. You can report domestic bird illnesses to your local agriculture authority or wildlife experts using online reporting tools.

Backyard Flock Safety
If you keep a domestic flock, it's important to take extra steps to protect them from bird flu:

• ]
  • Keep your birds away from wild birds.
  • Disinfect equipment and hands before and after handling your flock.
  • Report any unusual sickness or deaths among your birds to agricultural authorities.

Signs of Avian Influenza in Birds

Some signs of bird flu in birds include:

• ]
  • Sudden death without symptoms
  • Swelling or discoloration of the head, comb, or legs
  • Coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge
  • Decreased energy or appetite
  • If you spot these symptoms in your flock, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Resources

• Report sick/dead domestic birds to the Washington State Department of Agriculture's public phone line: 1-800-606-3056 or online at Report wildlife observations | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

• Protect your domestic flock and report any illnesses: Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Agriculture

• Bird hunters should follow standard safety steps to avoid potential exposure to avian influenza and other viruses or bacteria. Learn more tips for hunters click on this link: Avian influenza (bird flu) | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

• Read the full press release from WSDA News Releases | Washington State Department of Agriculture

https://www.bfhd.wa.gov/news/what_s_new/learn_about_bird_flu__avian_influenza_

------------------------------

See also:
Washington - 2023-2024 Bird flu in poultry

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/united-states/h5n1-tracking-af/washington/968435-washington-2023-2024-bird-flu-in-poultry

[Commonground]

Bird flu suspected in four Washington farm workers, CDC sends team
By Tom Polansek
October 21, 20244:59 PM EDTUpdated 42 min ago

CHICAGO, Oct 21 (Reuters) - The CDC is deploying a team to Washington state to assess the health of farm workers who culled poultry suffering from bird flu after four workers are presumed to have been infected by the virus, U.S. and state health officials said on Monday.
The infections would make Washington the sixth state to identify human cases this year.

continued: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/bir...ys-2024-10-21/

[Commonground]

Four farm workers in Washington appear to test positive for bird flu
BY: BILL LUCIA - OCTOBER 21, 2024 1:15 PM

Excerpt:
Shah said that 25 people had been tested so far as part of the response in Franklin County and that 12 tests had come back negative.

“This is an evolving situation,” he said. “There are more individuals that we want to continue to conduct our investigation with and more individuals that we want to potentially test for. And that’s what we are in the process of doing right now.”
-snip-
“This detection that we have is a poultry strain, it is not a dairy strain,” Itle said. “We’ve had no detections in dairies in Washington state.”
-snip-

https://dailymontanan.com/2024/10/21/four-farm-workers-in-washington-appear-to-test-positive-for-bird-flu/

[Pathfinder]

HEALTH ALERTS

Posted on: October 21, 2024

HEALTH ALERT: PRESUMPTIVE POSITIVE HUMAN CASES OF AVIAN INFLUENZA UNDER INVESTIGATION IN WASHINGTON


PROVIDER ALERT: PRESUMPTIVE POSITIVE HUMAN CASES OF AVIAN INFLUENZA UNDER INVESTIGATION IN WASHINGTON


October 21, 2024

This is a Provider Alert from the Washington Department of Health (DOH)regarding presumed human cases of avian influenza under investigation in Washington.

Clinicians in Washington should consider avian influenza infection in patients who present with acute respiratory illness, isolated conjunctivitis, or influenza-like illness (ILI), and to assess patients for exposures to animals (poultry, cattle, wildlife, or other animals) or people suspected or known to be infected with avian influenza.

CURRENT SITUATION


On October 20, 2024, Washington State Department of Health and Benton-Franklin Health District reported that four people are under investigation for avian influenza infection in the state. These cases are the first potential human cases of avian influenza identified in Washington. Four workers tested presumptive positive for avian influenza A(H5) after working at a commercial poultry farm in Franklin County which was experiencing an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in their flock.

The presumptive positive samples have been forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing. This is an active investigation and the number of cases under investigation may change as further test results are received.

DOH and BFHD are working with the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the CDC on the regional response to this outbreak. DOH and BFHD have provided personal protective equipment to workers on the farm, are monitoring exposed workers for symptoms of avian influenza, and are providing testing, vaccines, and treatment for symptomatic workers.

ACTIONS REQUESTED

• Immediately report any suspected cases of novel or avian influenza in a person to your Local Public Health Jurisdiction (LHJ). Novel influenza is a notifiable condition in Washington state.
• Clinicians should consider avian influenza and other novel influenza virus infections in patients who present with the following:
  • Symptoms of acute respiratory illness, isolated conjunctivitis, or influenza-like illness (ILI), AND
  • Recent close contact with animals known or suspected to have avian influenza A virus infection, OR
  • Exposure to a suspected, probable or confirmed human case of HPAI H5N1, including symptomatic persons who have been exposed to avian influenza A in animals but have not been tested or diagnosed.
• Specifically, ask patients presenting for care with the clinical syndromes above about:
  • Exposure to poultry (e.g., chickens, turkeys, ducks)
  • Exposure to sick or dead wildlife
  • Exposure to cattle or pigs
  • Attendance at agricultural fairs or other livestock exhibitions
  • Consumption of unpasteurized dairy products
  • Contact with other animals with known or suspected avian influenza virus infection or their environments (e.g., worked at a poultry farm with known or suspected infections)
  • Contact with another person suspected or confirmed to be infected with HPAI, or symptomatic after exposure to animals infected with HPAI
• Clinicians should consider testing for novel influenza for patients with acute respiratory illness, isolated conjunctivitis, or influenza-like illness (ILI) who endorse any of the above exposures in the past ten days and have no alternative diagnosis.
• If novel influenza infection, including avian influenza, is suspected, contact your local health jurisdiction immediately to help arrange sample collection and testing at the Washington State Public Health Laboratories (WA PHL). Your local health jurisdiction can provide guidance on collecting the below samples:
  • A nasopharyngeal swab collected in viral transport medium for testing at WA PHL
  • A conjunctival swab collected in viral transport medium for testing at WA PHL for patients presenting with conjunctivitis
• Standard, contact and airborne precautions, including the use of eye protection, are recommended when evaluating patients for infection with avian influenza.
  • If an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) is not available, isolate the patient in a private room.
  • Healthcare personnel should wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) when providing patient care and when collecting samples for novel influenza testing.
  • For more information on recommended infection prevention and control measures, please visit Infection Control Within Healthcare Settings for Patients with Novel Influenza A Viruses.
• Empiric antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible for patients suspected to be infected with novel influenza A viruses, including avian influenza, as they have the potential to cause severe disease in humans. For more information, see the CDC’s interim guidance on the use of antiviral medications for treatment of human infections with novel influenza A viruses associated with severe human disease.
• If novel influenza is suspected, the patient should isolate at home away from their household members and not go to work or school until it is determined they do not have avian influenza A virus infection.

BACKGROUND


Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been circulating globally in wild birds for several years; this influenza A virus is deadly for poultry and many species of birds and has caused sporadic infections and outbreaks in wild mammals and dairy cattle. Cases of HPAI in wild birds and poultry were first identified in Washington state in the spring of 2022. Since 2022, WA state agencies have detected infections in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, as well as infections of wild mammals such as skunks, raccoons, and harbor seals. There have been no detections of HPAI H5N1 in dairy cattle in Washington state.

Since the start of the outbreak in 2022, human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) infection have been confirmed in commercial poultry workers in Colorado and among dairy workers in Texas, Michigan, Colorado, and California. One case of avian influenza A(H5N1) infection has been detected in a person in Missouri with no known exposure to infected animals. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current risk to the general public is low.

Symptoms of avian influenza A virus infections in humans have ranged from mild (e.g., eye infection, cold-like symptoms) to severe illness (e.g., pneumonia) resulting in death, though all cases reported in the U.S. since 2022 have been mild. Symptoms among the cases under investigation in Washington have been mild and the affected individuals have been offered oseltamivir. Investigations are ongoing to identify close contacts of cases under investigation for chemoprophylactic treatment and symptom monitoring.

As the multistate outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1) in poultry, dairy cattle, and other animals continues, monitoring for novel influenza A virus infections in humans is critical to identify transmission of these viruses between animals and people. Rapid detection of, and treatment for, novel influenza A viruses and efforts to reduce transmission to other people remain important components of national efforts to prevent the emergence of new viruses that could have pandemic potential. To accomplish this, testing for influenza viruses and monitoring for novel influenza A virus infections should continue year-round. RESOURCES FOR PROVIDERS

• H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation | Bird Flu | CDC
• Interim Guidance on Specimen Collection and Testing for Patients with Suspected Infection with Novel Influenza A Viruses Associated with Severe Disease or with the Potential to Cause Severe Disease in Humans | Bird Flu | CDC
• APIC Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Infection Prevention Playbook
• Interim Guidance for Infection Control Within Healthcare Settings When Caring for Confirmed Cases, Probable Cases, and Cases Under Investigation for Infection with Novel Influenza A Viruses Associated with Severe Disease | Bird Flu | CDC
• Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Health
• Bird Flu in Animals and People: Causes and How It Spreads | Bird Flu | CDC

...

https://www.snohd.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=826

[Pathfinder]

CDC confirms two human cases of avian influenza in Franklin Co.


For immediate release: October 24, 2024 (24-127)

Contact: WA-DOH Communications

All cases were poultry workers exposed to infected birds, no evidence of human-to-human transmission


OLYMPIA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that two people who had presumptive positive tests run by WA-DOH earlier in the week have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) after an outbreak at a commercial poultry farm in Franklin County (WA). Confirmatory test results on other samples are pending.

WA-DOH, Benton-Franklin Heath District (BFHD), and CDC have staff on site who are investigating exposures to workers and testing workers. Testing initially occurs at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory. Any presumptive positive test samples at the State Public Health Laboratory are sent to CDC for confirmation. Until CDC provides this confirmation of a positive result, it is considered presumptive positive.

There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission at this time. All the identified infections are among workers who had contact with infected birds or their environments. No patients have experienced severe illness or been hospitalized.

WA-DOH, BFHD, and additional partners are providing personal protective equipment (PPE), outreach and education for the workers, and the community. Medications for exposed workers, and seasonal influenza vaccines are also being offered to workers.

Seasonal influenza vaccines do not protect against avian influenza infection, but they make it less likely that a person could get coinfected with both seasonal influenza and avian influenza at the same time. Coinfection increases the risk that a strain of avian influenza virus could arise that spreads easily from person-to-person. WA-DOH recommends seasonal influenza vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older, and they are also supporting efforts to make vaccine more available for agricultural workers across the state. Additional testing, contact tracing, and symptom monitoring is occurring for the impacted workforce.

Any employees or contractors who may have worked on a poultry farm in Benton or Franklin counties since October 7, 2024, should contact BFHD at 509-460-4550 if they have symptoms, such as red eyes, feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, or other influenza-like illness.

Avian influenza is a disease caused by influenza Type A viruses that naturally occur in wild aquatic birds throughout the world. These viruses can also infect other species of birds, and occasionally mammals, and can cause significant mortality in poultry.

On rare occasions, avian influenza viruses infect people and make them sick. Most instances of people becoming infected with avian influenza have happened after prolonged, close contact with animals infected with avian influenza or environments contaminated with avian influenza.

The CDC currently considers the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low; however, people with job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds, cattle, or other potentially infected domestic or wild animals, are at higher risk and should take precautions, including wearing PPE such as mask, gown, gloves, and eye protection.

People with backyard poultry should report any sick or dead birds to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) at 1-800-606-3056 or report sick domestic birds online. Veterinarians should report sick or dead domestic animals or livestock suspected of having avian influenza to WSDA: https://fortress.wa.gov/agr/apps/rad/.

Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and report sick or dead wild birds or other animals to the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife. WA-DOH reminds the community to never handle or allow pets near dead birds or other wildlife. For more information on safety precautions, visit https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-fami...vian-influenza.

The WA-DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and follow us on X (formerly Twitter). Sign up for the WA-DOH blog, Public Health Connection.

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https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/cdc-confirms-two-human-cases-avian-influenza-franklin-co

[sharon sanders]

We have added the presumptive total of 4 to our list even though the CDC has only confirmed 2 of those by this date.

[Treyfish]

8 now..that was quick..

More egg farm workers sick with avian flu. CDC sends help for Eastern WA outbreak
BY ANNETTE CARY
UPDATED OCTOBER 25, 2024 4:49 PM|


PASCO, WA The number of workers at a Franklin County commercial egg farm who have now tested positive for avian influenza has increased to eight, according to preliminary test results. The outbreak at the large farm has the first human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, known in the state of Washington….


None of the workers infected at the egg farm near Pasco has been hospitalized. Benton Franklin Health District has set up a makeshift clinic at the Franklin County farm and has taken nasal or eye swabs to test 69 workers, said Carla Prock, senior manager of community health in the district. The number of presumed positive test results has doubled from four as of Sunday, Oct. 20, to the eight suspected cases Thursday. The health district also is offering workers Tamiflu and seasonal flu shots at its temporary farm clinic

Read more at: https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/state/washington/article294480529.html#storylink=cpy

[Pathfinder]

OCTOBER 25, 2024

H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation
...
34 Total Reported Human Cases in the United States During 2024


Human case summary during the 2024 outbreak, by state and exposure source

Exposure Source

State Cattle Poultry Unknown State Total

California 15 0 0 15
Colorado 1 9 0 10
Michigan 2 0 0 2
Missouri 0 0 1 1
Texas 1 0 0 1
Washington 0 5 0 5
Source Total 19 14 1 34

NOTE: One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022

This table is typically updated by 5 PM EST on Mondays (for cases confirmed by CDC on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday), Wednesdays (for cases confirmed by CDC on Monday or Tuesday), and Fridays (for cases confirmed by CDC on Wednesday and Thursday). Affected states may report cases more frequently.
...

https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

[sharon sanders]

Updated to include 5th human poultry worker:

US - H5N1 Human Case List

[Commonground]

October 25, 2024
More egg farm workers sick with avian flu. CDC sends help for Eastern WA outbreak

Excerpts:

Both local and temporary workers who have been staying at hotels have had preliminary positive test results. The temporary workers may have been helping with the difficult job of euthanization and composting of chickens and eggs. The Benton Franklin Health District has been offering guidance on isolation, both for workers living with their families, and those staying in hotels, Prock said. That includes recommending that a worker with preliminary positive results and a worker without symptoms not share the same hotel room
-snip-
NO BIRD FLU IN WA DAIRIES FOUND Although the large operation with the bird flu outbreak in Franklin County has not been identified by state or Tri-Cities officials, it follows a similar event in December 2022 at the large Oakdell Farms poultry operation north of Pasco. And a Washington state surveillance zone established in the outbreak area near Pasco this month includes an Oakdell Farms egg operation. Oakdell Farms also has farms in Utah and Idaho and sells eggs in 11 Western U.S. states under the Oakdell Egg Farms and store brands. Active surveillance within about six miles of the commercial egg farm will continue until roughly 14 to 16 days after compost piles for potentially infected birds and their eggs are capped, according to the Washington state Department of Agriculture. There have been no confirmed or suspected cases on dairy farms in Washington state, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

Read more at: https://www.theolympian.com/news/sta...orylink=cpy

[sharon sanders]

hat tip Michael Coston


Washington state has upped their human count to 8 from 5.

https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/avian-influenza

[sharon sanders]

And another one today....no details.....

https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/avian-influenza