As city officials scramble to address the unfolding H5N1 bird flu situation, Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) have implemented new precautions to counter the spread of the virus after several birds around New York City have tested positive. With cases identified in parks, zoos, and last week's incident at live bird markets, the sense of urgency is heightened, though authorities maintain that for humans, the risk remains low.
Despite the avian influenza being detected in multiple boroughs, Mayor Adams sought to reassure residents that the risk to human health is still minimal. "While birds in New York City have tested positive for the H5N1 virus, I want to assure New Yorkers that the risk to humans at this time remains low," Mayor Adams stated. According to the Mayor's office, there have been no reported cases of bird flu in humans in our city or state, and health officials are closely working with the state to maintain this status.
Dr. Michelle Morse, DOHMH Acting Commissioner, echoed the Mayor's message, adding that no cases of H5N1 transmission between people have been observed. "The current risk to New Yorkers of bird flu remains low," Dr. Morse explained to the Mayor's office, highlighting their preparedness to respond with testing and information dissemination. Workers at affected live bird markets in the city are being provided with guidance and Tamiflu as a countermeasure.
Last Friday marked the temporary shutdown of live bird markets in the city, brought on by a Notice and Order from the New York state Department of Agriculture and Markets. Some of the markets are required to sell off their inventory, execute thorough cleaning and disinfection, and shut down for three to five days after detection of H5N1. Authorities from different sectors are joining forces to keep track the situation and ensure public safety. The DOHMH is also making antiviral drugs available for staff in live bird markets and providing guidance for self-monitoring symptoms, such as headaches, cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
Given these developments, New Yorkers are advised to practice caution: wearing personal protection equipment when handling poultry, washing hands frequently, following food safety norms like cooking poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, avoiding contact with potentially infected surfaces, and consulting a doctor if symptoms arise post-exposure to infected birds. The DOHMH stands ready to respond to further outbreaks, with a focus on vaccination, testing and providing accurate information to the community. Live bird market workers in particular, should carefully monitor their health for 10 days after last exposure to birds.
