In an unsettling development out of Pinal County, the Arizona Department of Health Services is reporting Arizona's first confirmed human cases of the H5 avian influenza. "Both individuals were exposed to infected poultry while working at a commercial facility in Pinal County," according to a statement released on the Arizona Department of Health Services website.
It appears that avian influenza has sunk its claws into more than just commercial birds in the state, with detections in both a commercial poultry farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. Most human infections with the H5 virus occur after prolonged or close exposure to environments infected with the virus or coming into contact with sick or dead animals without protection. "Human infections with H5 can happen when the virus gets in a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or is inhaled," the Arizona Department of Health Service reported, with a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including pneumonia and multi-organ failure.
While the news might be disconcerting, there is currently no evidence suggesting the H5 virus is making the jump from human to human. The risk to the general public remains low, according to health officials. Regardless, Arizona isn't taking any chances, swiftly employing measures to contain and manage the situation. Protective gear is being distributed to farm workers with exposure to the infected animals, and the state is working diligently with various partners to monitor the situation among poultry and dairy cow operations.
Arrangements are also in place for testing and treatment access for individuals showing symptoms of or who have been exposed to avian influenza. Health officials additionally are ensuring timely public education, so that anyone potentially impacted is aware of how avian influenza spreads and the risks it poses. As stated on the Arizona Department of Health Services website, avian influenza H5 is a novel influenza A virus affecting primarily birds; however, human infections, though rare, are a serious concern when they do occur as a result of exposure to infected animals or their environments.
