- The Bird Flu has been detected in birds, cattle, and other animals. Humans can also get infected with bird flu.
- You are at a higher risk for avian flu infection if you work with infected animals.
- If you feel sick after you’ve been exposed to an infected animal, contact the Bear River Health Department at 435-792-6500 or local healthcare provider for testing and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get sick with bird flu?
Yes, it is possible for people to get sick with bird flu, but the risk to the general public is currently low. However, the spread of bird flu viruses in various types of animals creates opportunities for people to be exposed to these viruses through contact with infected animals.
In other states, a small number of mild human infections have recently been reported after exposure to infected animals. In Utah, no dairy cattle or people with bird flu infections have been reported. More information is available regarding bird flu in Utah poultry, dairy cattle, and wildlife.
The more you are exposed to the virus, the more likely you are to become infected. Certain groups of people, such as backyard flock owners, livestock farmers and workers, agricultural employees, hunters, and wildlife rehabilitators who frequently work with sick or potentially sick animals may be more at risk.
Testing and treatment are available for bird flu. If you have been exposed to bird flu, you should monitor your health for symptoms of a bird flu infection (see box below).
Influenza viruses frequently mutate. The current strain of concern is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1). While the risk to humans from the current strain is low, and there have been no reports of person-to-person transmission, DHHS and CDC are monitoring the virus for changes that may make it more contagious or make the disease more severe in people. Previous outbreaks of bird flu in animals have led to severe disease and death in humans.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
What should I do if I’ve been exposed to bird flu?
Regardless of whether you use protective equipment, if you handle birds or animals that have been confirmed to have avian influenza, or if you have been in contaminated areas, you should monitor your health for symptoms of bird flu and contact your local health department or healthcare provider if you feel sick.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Red, itchy eyes (conjunctivitis, or “pink eye”)
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Other signs and symptoms: sneezing, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, eye discharge, rash, seizures, unexpected fatigue
Continue to check for new symptoms for 10 days after you last had contact with potentially infected birds.
What should I do if I think I am sick with bird flu?
If you were exposed to an animal infected with bird flu and start to feel sick, contact us at 435-792-6500 or healthcare provider and let them know about your exposure and symptoms. Testing and treatment are available for bird flu infections in humans. Antivirals used to treat seasonal flu can also treat bird flu. Vaccines will not protect you from bird flu, but they can prevent you from getting both avian (bird) and human influenza at the same time. Avoid close contact with other people until you recover.