#USA, #Michigan: {Oakland County} Health Division: 11 people under health #surveillance after contact with #H5N1 #birdflu infected #poultry

Waterford Township, Mich. – The Oakland County Health Division is monitoring a situation involving highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, identified in animals at the farm at Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford Township. 

|--     Eleven individuals who had direct contact with the animals are being         monitored    for 10 days, beginning yesterday. --|

Initially, it was reported that two of the 11 are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Since then, the Health Division has learned that only one individual has symptoms. That person’s influenza test has been collected and results from the state lab are pending.

“The risk of contracting bird flu is very low for the general public, but it’s important to be aware of the disease in the community,” said Oakland County Director of Health and Human Services Leigh-Anne Stafford. “Protect yourself and prevent bird flu by avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds and wash your hands thoroughly if you come into contact with them.

In response to the discovery of HPAI at the farm at Hess-Hathaway Park, Waterford Township has taken proactive measures. Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta emphasized the township’s commitment to safety.

“Until further notice, portions of the farm will be closed to protect our animals, staff and visitors. However, the rest of Hess-Hathaway Park remains open for community enjoyment,” Bartolotta said. “We appreciate the community’s cooperation, patience and understanding as we work to return our farm to regular operations. We look forward to reopening in the Spring of 2025.”

Residents are encouraged to follow these prevention tips:

-- Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and animals.

-- Use recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) if contact is necessary.

-- Refrain from touching surfaces contaminated by bird droppings or bodily fluids.

-- Avoid consuming raw milk or raw milk products.

-- If bird flu is suspected in a domestic flock, contact Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after hours). Additionally, report cases of unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations by contacting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at 517-336-5030.

MDARD is closely monitoring and responding to reports of sick domestic birds and HPAI throughout the state.

Contact your health care provider if you’ve had close contact with domestic fowl or wild bird and have bird flu symptoms. 

Bird flu symptoms range from no symptoms to severe disease. Signs and symptoms of bird flu in people may include:

-- Eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis)

-- Mild fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater) or feeling feverish (fever may not always be present)

-- Cough

-- Sore throat

-- Runny or stuffy nose

-- Muscle or body aches

-- Headaches

-- Fatigue

-- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

-- Less common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

HPAI virus is widespread in wild birds worldwide and detected in domestic poultry and other animals. It can spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. 

More information about bird flu can be found on the Health Division’s website at oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com. Nurse on Call is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and X.  

Read the initial alert from MDARD here. For additional bird flu information from the state, click on michigan.gov/birdflu.  

Source: Oakland County Department of Health, https://www.oakgov.com/Home/Components/News/News/1751/591

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