Texas health officials warn residents about bird flu

Austin, Texas – Texas health officials are warning about bird flu. This comes after the CDC confirmed the first severe case of bird flu in the country.

More than 60 cases of avian influenza in humans have occurred since April. The virus was recently discovered in a bird in Galveston, Texas.

“This is a type of influenza that is specific to birds and wild birds. It’s more common in migratory birds such as waterfowl, that is, wild birds of that species. But it can also be transmitted from two other poultry species, and that’s where it gets infected. “We know that there is a high probability of coming into contact with people,” said Chris Van Dusen, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services.

A bird flu virus known as bird flu has come into contact with a person in Louisiana, sending him to the hospital. According to the CDC, this is the first severe case associated with the virus.

“This virus is spread by birds through their body fluids, which means it is transmitted through saliva and feces, and other animals, including humans, come into contact with the virus and rub their eyes or inhale it. “Here’s how the virus works if it gets into the body in some way,” Van Dusen says.

A duck that tested positive for avian influenza was found on the side of a road in Galveston earlier this month.

“Harris County and Galveston County have announced cases or presumptive cases of migratory birds this week, and we expect that to bring migratory birds into Texas as well,” Van Dusen said.

According to the CDC, there have been a total of 61 human cases of bird flu in the United States since April.

“In fact, earlier this year, in the spring, there was a case in Texas. It was a fairly mild case. As some of you may remember, it was a dairy worker and he had the disease he was dealing with. It appears to have been transmitted through cattle,” Van Dusen said.

The CDC says people who work with birds and livestock are at higher risk of contracting the virus.

“In Austin, many people keep birds in their backyards, and there are a few things you should do to protect yourself and your flock. Create some sort of barrier to keep your chickens from coming into direct contact with dangerous wild birds. ‘Let’s fly over that area,”’ Van Dusen said.

The CDC added that it’s best to avoid contact with sick or dead animals and wear protective equipment around birds and livestock. Symptoms of bird flu are similar to the common flu and can sometimes be treated with the same medicines.

“Some common antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, can be effective in preventing people from getting sick after infection, or in reducing symptoms to a milder level,” Van Dusen said.

The cause of the severe radiation exposure in Louisiana is currently under investigation. The person had been exposed to sick birds.

health austin louisiana