The Central Nevada Health District is Actively Monitoring for Spread of H5N1 in Northern Nevada
Agency partnering with dairy industry and healthcare providers to test any exposed workers; monitor symptoms.
February 10, 2025
The Central Nevada Health District has confirmed the state's first and only human case of avian influenza A (HJN1) virus in an adult who was exposed to infected dairy cattle while working at a dairy farm in Churchill County. The person had conjunctivitis with no other reported symptoms and is recovering. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk to the public for H5N1 avian influenza to be low.
There is currently no evidence of person to person spread of this virus. Close contacts of the infected person and other workers exposed at the farm are being contacted and monitored for symptoms and are being offered personal protective equipment (PPE), testing and antiviral medication. No additional cases have been confirmed at this time.
While the current public health risk for the general public remains low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from HSN1 is to avoid sources of exposure. That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with bird flu viruses.
Protecting yourself and others from HSNI infection:
- Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings and do not bring sick wild animals into your home.
Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.
- Do not eat uncooked or undercooked food. Cook poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature and prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked food.
Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses.
: If you work on poultry or dairy farms, talk to your provider about getting your seasonal flu
vaccination. It will not prevent infection with avian influenza viruses, but it can reduce the risk of confection with avian and flu viruses.
• Report dead or sick birds or animals to the USDA Wildlife Services at (775) 851-4848.
Poultry and livestock owners should report sick or dead animals to their veterinarians and the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
If you have been exposed to sick or dead birds or other animals or work on a farm where avian influenza has been detected, watch for respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis. If you develop symptoms within 10 days after exposure to sick or dead animals, tell your healthcare provider that you have been in contact with sick animals and are concered about avian influenza. This will help them give you appropriate advice on testing and treatment. Stay home and away from others while you have symptoms.
ao West & Street, suite 101, rallon, Kevoda osa0t
Main Phone Number (775) 967-8181
https://www.centralnevadahd.org/community-alerts-2/