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First Probable Case Of Human Bird Flu Reported In Ohio
Source: Amy Boyle / Getty
Ohio has likely recorded its first case of bird flu in a human.
The Ohio Department of Health indicates that a male farmer in Mercer County has become infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). His symptoms developed after coming in contact with “deceased commercial poultry.”
There have been 11 cases of HPAI recorded across 11 infected states.
From FOX 8:
All but three of the human HPAI cases “involved exposures related to commercial agriculture and related operations or wild birds,” the Ohio Department of Health said.
Health officials encourage the public to avoid direct contact with wild birds and sick or dead poultry. Anyone who works directly with birds should follow guidelines here.
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No human-to-human cases of HPAI have been reported. As a safety precaution, it is recommended to always fully cook your eggs and poultry before consumption.
Mild symptoms of bird flu in humans include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches. More severe symptoms include high fever, pneumonia, confusion, and even death.
Ohioans are encouraged to report sick or dead wild birds to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-WILDLIFE.
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