Stay informed about the latest bird flu developments as the CDC ramps up efforts to monitor a second human case in the U.S. Get the scoop on what this means for you and your family here!
Bird Flu's Back on the Radar
After a second human case of Avian Flu popped up in the States, the CDC is stepping up its game to prevent a nationwide outbreak. Around a week ago, another person caught the highly pathogenic virus and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention kicked their messaging into high gear to get ahead of any further outbreaks. While the overall risk to us regular folks is still low, they're not taking any chances. There are thousands of people handling poultry in America and every single one of them has the potential to spread this virus if they are infected.
Protect Yourself
The CDC's got your back with some solid advice to keep you and your fam safe.
- Steer clear of direct contact with birds
- Report any sick or dead birds if you spot them to authorities like the sanitation or health departments of your locality
- A seasonal flu shot can help reduce the risk of catching this avian strain of influenza
- Cook your chicken to at least 165°F to help prevent this and other pathogens from spreading through consumption
- Clean hands, utensils, and surfaces after cooking any type of poultry to avoid cross-contamination
So this isn't even close to an epidemic, but it's out there, and you'd be smart to keep up on both what's happening and how to avoid bird flu along with a slew of other animal and food-borne pathogens. Both the CDC and the FDA are great resources to keep abreast of animal-related illnesses.
