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Wisconsin - Avian Flu in Humans

Commonground

Commonground

Senior Moderator
Presumptive Positive Human case of HPAI A(H5N1) updated December 18

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), along with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), local health departments, and federal partners, are working to investigate a presumptive positive human case of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza A or HPAI A(H5N1).
  • On December 12, 2024, DATCP confirmed a case of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza A or HPAI A(H5N1) in a commercial poultry flock in Barron County, Wisconsin.
  • On December 18, 2024, DHS received report of a presumptive positive case of HPAI A(H5N1) in a farm worker of Barron County, Wisconsin. DHS is actively coordinating with Barron County Health and Human Services, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), and DATCP to identify and monitor those who may have been exposed.
  • According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the current HPAI A(H5N1) situation continues to pose a low risk to general community members. HPAI viruses also do not pose a food safety risk. Properly cooking meat and eggs to the recommended internal temperature of 165˚F kills HPAI viruses, as does pasteurizing milk.
About HPAI A(H5N1) in animals

Wild birds, especially waterfowl, can become infected with HPAI and may show no signs of infection. When the wild birds migrate, they have the potential to spread HPAI to other birds and animals. To prevent the spread of HPAI and other diseases to people and domestic animals, Wisconsinites and their pets should avoid touching sick or injured wild birds or mammals. It is important to avoid any wild animal that is behaving abnormally. Abnormal behavior includes:
  • Pacing or walking in circles,
  • Unbalanced posture, or
  • Head and body tremors.
DATCP continues to urge all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and herds from the disease. This includes:
  • Washing hands
  • Disinfecting equipment
  • Restricting access to animals
  • Separating new additions to the flock or herd for at least 30 days.
Poultry owners are asked, when possible, to keep their birds indoors.

To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, dairy cattle, or other animals, contact DATCP at 608- 224-4872 during business hours or 800-943-0003 after hours and weekends.

For updates on how the virus is affecting domestic birds in Wisconsin, and to find resources on protecting Wisconsin poultry, visit DATCP’s HPAI in Poultry.
​

About HPAI in people

HPAI viruses are a form of influenza that primarily affects birds. In rare circumstances, HPAI viruses can infect humans when prolonged close contact with infected birds or other animals occurs. No widespread person-to-person transmission of HPAI viruses has occurred. The sporadic HPAI cases that have occurred have ranged in severity from no symptoms to mild illness to severe disease that resulted in death.

Recommendations to the public

Viruses that spread from animals to people have the potential to mutate or combine with human influenza viruses to become more infectious variants. This is why public health measures to prevent the spread of HPAI to people are so important.
  • Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine every year to protect themselves against seasonal flu.
  • As a general precaution, people should avoid close contact with sick animals. People who have had contact with infected or sick animals should monitor for flu-like symptoms, seek medical care if they feel sick, and tell their health care provider that they had contact with infected animals.
  • Anyone involved in poultry or livestock production, even those with small operations, should evaluate their biosecurity measures to assure the health of their animals and their workers.
  • Whenever possible, people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and other wildlife and observe them only from a distance. People should also avoid touching any wild animals showing signs of HPAI and not touch dead birds or wildlife with their bare hands. If touching dead animals is necessary, wear gloves or use a plastic bag to put it in the garbage. People should wash their hands with soap and water and throw away any gloves after disposing of dead birds or wildlife. Contact the DNR to report any sick or dead wildlife.
​ Additional resources
​
​

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/outbreaks/index.htm
​
 
For Immediate Release
December 18, 2024
Contact
Elizabeth Goodsitt, 608-266-1683
Jennifer Miller, 608-266-1683


DHS Reports Presumptive Positive Human Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wisconsin


The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has detected the first presumptive positive human case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1), also known as bird flu, in Barron County. The human case follows an infected flock of commercial poultry identified in Barron County. The person had exposure to the infected flock. The case was identified through testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH) and is pending confirmation at CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

DHS, in coordination with Barron County Health and Human Services, is monitoring farm workers who may have been exposed to the virus and has provided them with information to protect their health. The risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low. People who work with infected animals, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.

The H5N1 HPAI virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. H5N1 HPAI viruses are highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry. Caused by influenza type A viruses, the disease can cause illnesses ranging from very mild to severe depending on the strain and species affected. The disease can spread from infected birds to people by contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.

The virus does not spread easily from animals to people. People who have gotten sick with bird flu have been in direct contact with infected animals.

Symptoms of bird flu in people include:
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Cough
  • Eye infections (Conjunctivitis)
Anyone who develops symptoms of flu or an eye infection and has been in contact with animals who may have been infected should stay home (not go to work, school, shopping, or use public transportation) and call their doctor's office or clinic before visiting so they can take precautions to ensure other patients are not exposed to the virus. Treatment for bird flu may include hospitalization, supportive care, and/or the use of antivirals.

It is safe to eat eggs, poultry, and meat that has been fully cooked. Pasteurized milk and milk products, such as cheese and yogurt, are also safe to eat and drink. General precautions should always be taken when handling any raw meat, including raw eggs, to avoid possibly spreading germs. These measures include:
  • Washing hands and surfaces before and after food preparation.
  • Avoiding using the same utensils on raw meat as on other foods, even cooked meat.
  • Cooking raw meat thoroughly.
Additional case counts will be posted to Outbreaks, Recalls, and Investigations in Wisconsin. Prevention information for farmworkers or others who have close contact with birds, dairy cows, or other relevant animals can be found under Protective Actions for People.


Communications team


Ali Maresh, Director
Claire Yunker, Deputy Director
Elizabeth Goodsitt, Specialist
Jennifer Miller, Specialist

Media inquiries


Last revised December 18, 2024​


https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/121824.htm
 
Wisconsin farmworker likely positive for bird flu; virus spreads to backyard poultry flock in SE Wis
December 19, 2024​

Two state agencies report southeastern Wisconsin’s first case of bird flu in poultry during the ongoing national avian flu outbreak.

It also marks the state’s first presumed human case of the flu, with mild symptoms.

The human case is a female farmworker in northwestern Wisconsin at the same farm in Barron County, at the same farm in Barron County where a commercial poultry flock was found infected last week.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) epidemiologist Tom Haupt said during a media call Wednesday that the woman who tested positive does not appear seriously ill.
​

“She had relatively mild symptoms that would be consistent with influenza—including sore throat, slight fever, some fatigue, eye discharge. The person is actually doing much better today, has finished her course of oseltamivir, and looks like is going to be making a full recovery on that," Haupt said.​
-snip-

Meanwhile, the infected birds are in Kenosha County—88 chickens and five ducks in a backyard flock near the Illinois state line. The bird carcasses will be composted or possibly incinerated on-site if possible.

While the state says it appears only the owners of the Kenosha County flock had contact with those birds, epidemiologist Haupt advises that people exposed to infected birds be tested for the flu.
​
... https://www.wuwm.com/2024-12-19/wis...s-spreads-to-backyard-poultry-flock-in-se-wis
 
December 20, 2024
First human case of bird flu in Wisconsin now confirmed by test results
Young adult farmworker sickened by infected poultry flock

​
Wisconsin's first case of H5N1 bird flu in a human was confirmed Friday by test results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Until now, officials had listed the case involving a Barron County farmworker as presumptive for the highly contagious virus, also known as bird flu.

The young adult woman had relatively mild symptoms, such as a slight fever, sore throat, and some fatigue. She was treated with antiviral medication and appears to be making a full recovery, officials said Wednesday when the case was reported.

Nineteen people on the commercial poultry farm, in northwest Wisconsin, may have been exposed and have been monitored for symptoms. Officials said there's been no evidence of human to human transmission of bird flu anywhere in the United States.
​
Initially, the Barron County case was identified through testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene and was pending confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The genotype of the virus has not yet been identified, but officials said they don't believe it's the same strain that's circulating widely in California dairy herds.
​
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news...lu-in-wisconsin-confirmed-by-cdc/77085607007/

​
 
Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Confirmed Human case of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Updated 12/20/24


The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), along with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), local health departments, and federal partners, are working to investigate a confirmed human case of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza A or HPAI A(H5N1), also known as bird flu.
  • On December 12, 2024, DATCP confirmed a case of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza A or HPAI A(H5N1) in a commercial poultry flock in Barron County, Wisconsin.
  • On December 18, 2024, DHS received report of a presumptive positive case of HPAI A(H5N1) in a farm worker of Barron County, Wisconsin. DHS is actively coordinating with Barron County Health and Human Services, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), and DATCP to identify and monitor those who may have been exposed.
  • On December 20, 2024, DHS received test results from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) on specimens collected from the presumptive positive human case of HPAI A(H5N1). Results of the test confirm HPAI A(H5N1), and the case will now be reported to the CDC as a confirmed human case of HPAI A(H5N1).
  • According to the CDC, the current HPAI A(H5N1) situation continues to pose a low risk to general community members. HPAI viruses also do not pose a food safety risk. Properly cooking meat and eggs to the recommended internal temperature of 165˚F kills HPAI viruses, as does pasteurizing milk.
About HPAI A(H5N1) in animals


Wild birds, especially waterfowl, can become infected with HPAI and may show no signs of infection. When the wild birds migrate, they have the potential to spread HPAI to other birds and animals. To prevent the spread of HPAI and other diseases to people and domestic animals, Wisconsinites and their pets should avoid touching sick or injured wild birds or mammals. It is important to avoid any wild animal that is behaving abnormally. Abnormal behavior includes:
  • Pacing or walking in circles,
  • Unbalanced posture, or
  • Head and body tremors.
DATCP continues to urge all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and herds from the disease. This includes:
  • Washing hands
  • Disinfecting equipment
  • Restricting access to animals
  • Separating new additions to the flock or herd for at least 30 days.
Poultry owners are asked, when possible, to keep their birds indoors.

To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, dairy cattle, or other animals, contact DATCP at 608- 224-4872 during business hours or 800-943-0003 after hours and weekends.

For updates on how the virus is affecting domestic birds in Wisconsin, and to find resources on protecting Wisconsin poultry, visit DATCP’s HPAI in Poultry.

About HPAI in people

HPAI viruses are a form of influenza that primarily affects birds. In rare circumstances, HPAI viruses can infect humans when prolonged close contact with infected birds or other animals occurs. No widespread person-to-person transmission of HPAI viruses has occurred. The sporadic HPAI cases that have occurred have ranged in severity from no symptoms to mild illness to severe disease that resulted in death.

Recommendations to the public

Viruses that spread from animals to people have the potential to mutate or combine with human influenza viruses to become more infectious variants. This is why public health measures to prevent the spread of HPAI to people are so important.
  • Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine every year to protect themselves against seasonal flu.
  • As a general precaution, people should avoid close contact with sick animals. People who have had contact with infected or sick animals should monitor for flu-like symptoms, seek medical care if they feel sick, and tell their health care provider that they had contact with infected animals.
  • Anyone involved in poultry or livestock production, even those with small operations, should evaluate their biosecurity measures to assure the health of their animals and their workers.
  • Whenever possible, people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and other wildlife and observe them only from a distance. People should also avoid touching any wild animals showing signs of HPAI and not touch dead birds or wildlife with their bare hands. If touching dead animals is necessary, wear gloves or use a plastic bag to put it in the garbage. People should wash their hands with soap and water and throw away any gloves after disposing of dead birds or wildlife. Contact the DNR to report any sick or dead wildlife.
Additional resources
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/outbreaks/index.htm
 
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