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Bird Flu Outbreak: Wyoming Confirms First-Ever Case — Should You Be Concerned? (Image Credits: iStock)
A woman from southeast Wyoming has been hospitalized after testing positive for bird flu, according to state health officials. This marks Wyoming’s first reported case of Type A H5N1 influenza, a virus that has been spreading among animals and, in some cases, humans.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 70 people in the United States have been infected with bird flu in the past year. However, researchers believe that the actual number of cases could be higher.
The affected woman, who resides in Platte County, had a backyard flock of chickens that fell ill and died. Health officials believe she had direct contact with the infected birds. She also has other existing health conditions and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital outside Wyoming.
Dr Alexia Harrist, Wyoming’s state health officer and epidemiologist, assured residents that the risk of widespread infection remains low. “Wyoming residents shouldn’t have a high level of concern about this human case,” she said in a press release. However, she acknowledged that while most human cases of bird flu in the U.S. have had mild symptoms, this patient’s condition is more severe.
Bird Flu Outbreaks in India
While the U.S. is dealing with cases of bird flu, India is also experiencing multiple outbreaks, particularly in poultry farms across several states. According to media reports, 7,200 poultry birds have been culled in Maharashtra alone since January 1, and over 2,200 eggs have been destroyed in areas affected by bird flu.The outbreak has primarily impacted unorganized and backyard poultry farms, sparing the larger, organized poultry sector. One of the latest cases was reported in Mangli village in the Brahmapuri taluka of Chandrapur district.
Authorities from the Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Department have culled over 2,000 birds within a 5km radius of the outbreak area. Following standard safety protocols, all birds, eggs, and animal feed within this range were destroyed. In the Chandrapur case, this included 1,165 eggs and 50 kg of animal feed.
To support affected poultry farmers, the government has distributed compensation worth Rs 2,91,963.
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, can cause a range of symptoms in humans. The severity varies from mild to severe and can sometimes be fatal. Common symptoms include:- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Eye infections (conjunctivitis)
- Nausea and vomiting (in some cases)
- Severe respiratory distress in advanced cases
Is It Safe to Eat Poultry During a Bird Flu Outbreak?
Many people worry about consuming poultry products during a bird flu outbreak. However, health experts confirm that eggs and chicken from reliable sources are safe to eat if properly cooked.Doctors recommend cooking eggs at a temperature of at least 175 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that both the yolk and egg whites are fully cooked, eliminating any potential virus. Undercooked eggs, such as half-boiled or runny ones, should be avoided.
Similarly, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature effectively kills bacteria and viruses, including the bird flu virus. Proper food handling practices should be followed:
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
- Store raw chicken in a separate container to prevent cross-contamination.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw poultry.
- Clean all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw poultry.
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