Wisconsin DHS: Human bird flu case in Barron County confirmed
Dec 20, 2024
BARRON COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) - After receiving test results back from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health officials in Wisconsin have confirmed a human case of bird flu in Barron County.
A release provided by the Wisconsin DHS on Friday afternoon stated that the first presumptive positive human case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1), otherwise known as bird flu, from earlier in the week has been confirmed.
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The human case follows an exposure with an infected flock of commercial poultry in Barron County. The positive case was confirmed through test results with the CDC, officials said on Friday.
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.
Wisconsin DHS
Health officials say that although the virus does not easily spread from animals to humans, the people who have gotten sick have been in direct contact with infected animals.
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According to the Wisconsin DHS, symptoms of bird flu in people include:
Sore throat
Fever
Muscle aches
Cough
Eye infections (Conjunctivitis)
It is recommended that 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 and call their doctor's office or clinic before visiting.