CELINA – Mercer County Health District has received notification from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) that a Mercer County resident has tested positive for influenza A(H5), also known as bird flu or HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza). The individual had exposure to the virus through contact with dead poultry infected with influenza A (H5N1).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the current risk of bird flu for the general public to be low. And, to date, there are no known cases of human to human transmission. Farm workers, veterinarians and those who may have close contact with infected birds or other animals should take extra precautions.

Mercer County Health Department has been in communication with ODH, which in turn has been in communication with the Ohio Department of Agriculture regarding the presence of HPAI in Mercer County. We have provided healthcare providers with up-to-date information on HPAI and testing details. We are monitoring those who have been exposed to the virus for symptoms.

In the United States, there have been 68 confirmed human cases of HPAI since the beginning of 2024, which included one death in Louisiana. All but three of these cases involved exposures related to commercial agriculture and related operations or wild birds. In Mercer County, numerous poultry flocks (https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/animal-health/hpai/01-poultry ) have been infected since the outbreak began in 2022. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when in direct or close contact (within about 6 feet) with sick or dead animals including poultry, wild birds, backyard bird flocks, or other animals, animal feces, litter, or materials potentially contaminated with influenza A (H5N1) viruses. Examples of PPE include:

• Properly fitted unvented or indirectly vented safety goggles.

• Disposable gloves.

• Boots or boot covers.

• A NIOSH-Approved particulate respirator (e.g., N95® filtering facepiece respirator ideally

fit-tested).

• Disposable fluid-resistant coveralls.

• Disposable head or hair cover.

• Adding a face shield over the top of goggles and a fluid resistant apron can enhance protection.

Additional information on PPE recommendations for farm workers who are exposed to HPAI can be found on the CDC’s website. (www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/farm-workers.html )

It is important that farm workers wear the proper PPE at all times when in the process of performing their duties in proximity to affected poultry or their feces or litter.

It is safe to eat properly cooked poultry and pasteurized dairy products. Generally, people should follow food safety practices – poultry, eggs, and beef should be cooked to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses. The CDC’s safer foods table (www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/safer-food-choices.html ) contains a complete list of safe internal temperatures.

If people have been exposed to a sick or dead animal, they should monitor themselves for any new respiratory symptoms. If symptoms develop, people should stay home and away from other people and contact their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers have been provided with guidance on testing and the Mercer County Health Department can be contacted at 419-586-3251 for information.

Information for backyard bird / poultry flocks, groups of people like bird enthusiasts, hunters, veterinarians, and those who work with infected birds or other animals can be found at the Mercer County Health District resources page (www.mchdohio.org/administration/resources)