Officials tracking spread of bird flu to humans
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (July 22, 2024) — Not to ruffle any feathers, but it is time to speak of bird flu.
Avian influenza A (H5N1), bird flu and H5N1 bird flu are the three terms for several viruses that mainly target birds.
H5N1 made its debut in geese in China in 1996 and was resourceful enough to make its way into the human population of Hong Kong the following year. Scientists reported an aggressive new variant of H5N1, referred to as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), among European wild birds in 2020.
Officials first detected HPAI in the United States in January 2022 in aquatic, backyard and commercially raised birds. It recently made the jump to cattle – bringing it squarely into the limelight.
As of this writing, four dairy workers have contracted the disease from exposure to affected cows. Two experienced only eye symptoms that mimic conjunctivitis. At least one of the others presented with respiratory symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation and believes the current risk to public health is low.
Little threat, for now
“In the short term, there is very little threat,” said Yale School of Medicine infectious disease professor Scott Roberts. “In the long term, in the coming years or decades, however, I’m much more concerned. There has been a mortality rate of 50% in the almost 900 people around the world who have been infected with bird flu between 2003 and 2024.”
While this is disquieting, there is no need to panic. Roberts believes there are an unknown number of cases of mildly or completely asymptomatic people who have not sought treatment, which would bring down that 50% death rate. He further noted that the percentage would lower significantly if and when an effective vaccine became available.
Another difficult component of this flu is that officials are now detecting it in new animal species. Aside from cattle, they have observed sporadic infections in certain wild mammals in North America beginning in 2022.
“It’s natural to wonder if it’s only a matter of time before this virus is able to spread among humans,” Roberts added.
Here are some ways to minimize the possibility of exposure to bird flu:
- Watch but don’t touch wild birds.
- If a bird appears ill or is deceased, report it.
- Consume only pasteurized milk products if you prefer them to plant-based milks.
- Cook poultry thoroughly. That is protective beyond bird flu.
- Always maintain excellent hand hygiene.
Please send comments and question to Nathalie Montijo at newwavenightingale@gmail.com.
Nathalie Montijo
Nathalie Raven Archangel-Montijo holds a rather interesting array of degrees and certifications, including master’s in nursing and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). She has post-master certification as an adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) and a license to practice acupuncture in California (L.Ac). To round all that out, she is certified in infection prevention and control (CIC) and as an advanced certified Hospice and palliative care nurse (ACHPN).
She also performs in the outlaw country band, Nineteen Hand Horse.