As you might already be aware, a multistate outbreak of HPAI A(H5N1) bird flu in dairy cows was reported in March. Then, on April 1, CDC confirmed one human HPAI A(H5N1) infection in a person with exposure to dairy cows that were presumed to be infected with the virus. This is thought to be the first instance of likely mammal to human spread of HPAI A(H5N1) virus. Since April, four human cases have been confirmed among adults who were in contact with cows or working at dairy farms.
While the risk to the general public is currently low, people who work with infected animals are at high risk of infection. At this time, there is no current vaccine for H5N1 bird flu, but it is important that people who may have frequent exposure to infected or potentially infected birds, cows, or other animals get a seasonal flu vaccine. Doing so can provide protection against seasonal flu and might reduce the very rare risk of coinfection with a human seasonal virus and an avian virus at the same time, which could lead to the HPAI virus mutating and causing significant public health concern.
We are strongly encouraging all farm workers to receive the seasonal flu vaccine this year and urging employers of farm workers to encourage vaccination. To support these efforts, we have received additional funding for seasonal flu vaccine, to be primarily used for farm workers and their families who would be eligible for UUAV vaccine. If you are located in Wabasha County and are interested in talking about this and a potential for vaccine clinics at your farm please contact Tammy Fiedler or Jodi Johnson at Wabasha County Public Health 651-565-5200.
Contact:
Tammy Fiedler or Jodi Johnson
Wabasha County Public Health
651-565-5200