We are CHECKING how bird flu is transmitted to humans

Although rare, humans can contract H5N1 bird flu. People can become infected through direct contact with infected animals, including chickens, turkeys, geese and cows. To date, no human-to-human cases of bird flu have been reported.

Since April 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 61 cases of H5 avian influenza in humans, most of which were mild. 34 of these cases occurred in California, where a state of emergency was declared.

On December 18, it was reported that a person in Louisiana was hospitalized in critical condition, marking the first case of severe bird flu in the United States

“While an investigation into the source of infection is ongoing in Louisiana, it was determined that the patient had contact with sick and dead birds in backyard flocks,” the CDC says.

“Human infections with bird flu viruses can occur when the virus enters a person’s eyes, nose or mouth or is inhaled. This can happen when viruses are airborne (in droplets, small aerosol particles, or possibly dust) and deposited on the mucous membranes of the eyes or a person inhales them, or possibly when a person touches something contaminated with viruses and it then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose,” explains the CDC.

According to the California Department of Public Health, people can also contract bird flu from eating raw milk. Pasteurized milk and eggs are safe to consume. Properly cooked beef is also safe for consumption because the high temperatures during cooking inactivate the virus, explains the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

According to the CDC, there is no evidence that the current strain of bird flu is transmitted between humans, and the risk of people getting sick from bird flu “remains low.”

To stay safe when working with farm animals, the CDC recommends:

• Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry and other animals

• Wear personal protective equipment when handling potentially sick or dead animals

• Avoid touching surfaces covered in saliva, mucus, or feces from wild birds or potentially infected animals

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of bird flu include conjunctivitis, fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat and nausea. If you suspect you have bird flu, the Cleveland Clinic recommends speaking to a doctor.

Severe cases of bird flu can lead to death if the disease is serious and untreated. “Overall, the mortality (death) rate from bird flu in humans is high – historically, about half of all people with known infections have died,” says the Cleveland Clinic.