H5N1 Update
From KCMS CEO, Nancy L. Belcher, Ph.D., MPA.
Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, I discovered the insightful work of Katelyn Jetelina, Ph.D., MPH, the author behind "Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE)." I became a subscriber and I've found her scientific analyses thorough. I encourage you to add her expert commentary to your inbox.
As we continue to monitor emerging health threats, we are following the evolving situation with H5N1. This virus, primarily of avian origins, has shown unusual patterns, including cases affecting livestock. In her latest update, Dr. Jetelina highlights the current state of H5N1, revealing that 36 herds across 9 states had been identified as infected as of April 25th.Â
Key Takeaways from Dr. Jetelina's Latest Update:
Current Risk to the Public: While H5N1 is a topic of concern among health professionals, the risk to the general public remains relatively low. Risks would increase significantly only if clusters of human cases begin to appear, which is currently not the case.
Symptoms and Transmission: H5N1 symptoms are similar to those of influenza and include fever, chills, cough, and, in some cases, red eyes. Transmission is primarily through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of unpasteurized products from infected animals.
Impact on Pets and Food Safety: Pets, particularly those on farms, can contract H5N1 from infected birds or their droppings. Dr. Jetelina highlights a recent case where cats became ill after consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows. Regarding food safety, the FDA has confirmed that pasteurization effectively neutralizes the virus, ensuring that dairy products and beef remain safe for consumption.
Precautions: The public is strongly advised to avoid unpasteurized milk, avoid handling sick or dead birds, and maintain a safe distance from visibly ill livestock.Â
To stay updated with Dr. Jetelina's expert analysis on various public health issues, click below.
