Arizona Reports Initial Cases of Human H5 Avian Influenza
In a concerning development, the Arizona Department of Health Services has confirmed the state’s first human cases of the H5 avian influenza virus. Two individuals, who were exposed to infected poultry while working at a commercial facility in Pinal County, exhibited mild symptoms, received treatment, and have since recovered.
The detection of avian influenza in Arizona includes cases at a commercial poultry farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. Typically, human infections with the H5 virus occur following unprotected contact with sick or deceased infected animals or their environments. The virus can infect humans through the eyes, nose, mouth, or by inhaling particles from close or prolonged exposure to infected animals.
Human infections with the H5 virus can present a wide range of symptoms, from mild, such as upper respiratory issues and conjunctivitis, to severe cases involving pneumonia and multi-organ failure, potentially leading to death. However, the Arizona Department of Health Services reassures the public that “there is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of H5 is occurring to date. The risk to the general public from H5 remains low.”
Arizona is actively responding to the avian influenza detections with several measures:
- Collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to monitor the spread of bird flu in both farm animals and individuals working closely with poultry and dairy cows.
- Providing protective gear to farm workers who are in contact with infected animals.
- Ensuring access to testing and treatment for those showing symptoms of or exposed to bird flu, and offering prophylactic treatment to those potentially exposed.
- Conducting public education campaigns to inform those affected about avian influenza.
The avian influenza H5 is a novel influenza A virus predominantly affecting birds. Although rare, human infections can occur through exposure to infected animals or their environments. To minimize infection risk, individuals are advised to avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, their droppings, or bedding, and to refrain from consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
For more detailed information, the Arizona Department of Health Services encourages individuals to refer to the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) probable case definition (PDF).
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