H5N1 Bird Flu

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Reported H5N1 Bird Flu Activity in Kern County

 TYPE  2024
 Human Cases  3
 Wild Birds  0
 Poultry  0
 Other Animals  0

 (Updated as of 11/1/2024)

Avian Influenza, commonly known as Bird Flu, is an infection that primarily affects birds, but can also infect mammals, including humans.  While human infections are rare, they can occur through exposure to the eyes, nose, mouth, and by breathing in the virus. 

Avian Influenza A (H5N1) is a type of bird flu that has been spreading among wild birds, poultry, and dairy cattle.  Illness among people has been relatively mild, but symptoms may include conjunctivitis (red eyes), fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body ache, headache, and fatigue.  Anyone who thinks they may have bird flu should contact their healthcare provider.

Currently, the risk to the general public remains low.  People with close contact with infected animals, or animal products, or people who handle raw milk have a higher risk of infection.  This may include farm and dairy workers, wildlife rehabilitation staff, veterinarians,

  People with close contact with infected animals should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators (N95 masks), eye protection (face shields or safety goggles), and gloves to be worn by anyone working with animals or materials that are infected with potentially infected with the bird flu virus. 

Requests for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kern County has a limited supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for dairy farmworkers and others who handle raw milk, as well as slaughterhouse and poultry farm workers.  Farms, businesses and organization that employ or serve these groups may be able to request PPE including goggles, face shields, respirators, gloves, and bouffant caps.  See CDPH’s How to Request PPE for Farmworkers to Protect Against Avian Influenza document for more information.

To request a one-time 30-day supply of PPE please email mattasa@kerncounty.com

Information for Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers should consider Avian Influenza (H5N1) in any patient with potential exposure to infected animals and compatible symptoms.  Immediately report any suspected or confirmed case of Avian Influenza (H5N1) to Kern County Public Health by phone at (661) 321-3000 during regular business hours or (661) 241-3255 on nights, weekends, and holidays. See the Kern County Urgent Health Bulletin for more details on actions recommended for healthcare providers.

Currently, testing for Avian Influenza H5N1 is only available at public health laboratories.  Commercial testing may be able to identify other subtypes.  Any clinical specimen for which influenza subtyping is attempted and does not identify a seasonal subtype should be forwarded to the Kern County Public Health Lab for additional testing. 

Additional Resources