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DHS

Workers in Pinal County exposed to avian flu

Posted 12/6/24

The Arizona Department of Health Services on Friday reported the first human H5 cases in Arizona.

Both individuals were exposed to infected poultry while working at a commercial facility in …

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DHS

Workers in Pinal County exposed to avian flu

Posted

The Arizona Department of Health Services on Friday reported the first human H5 cases in Arizona.

Both individuals were exposed to infected poultry while working at a commercial facility in Pinal County, according to a release from the state agency. They reported mild symptoms, received treatment and recovered. 

Avian influenza has been detected in Arizona, including a commercial poultry farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. Most human infections with H5 virus have occurred after unprotected exposure to sick or dead infected animals or their environment, the release stated.

State officials emphasize: "There is not evidence that human-to-human transmission of H5 is occurring to date. The risk to the general public from H5 remains low."

 Human infections with H5 can happen when the virus gets in a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or is inhaled from close or prolonged exposure to sick animals or their environments, health department officials said.

To reduce the risk of infection, people should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding and should not consume unpasteurized dairy products, according to the DHS release.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.