Bird flu detected in Houston area water

The source of the avian flu, or H5N1, found in Houston water between March 1 and May 13 is unknown, media partner ABC 13 reported. Officials confirmed there were no cases human virus in Harris County.

“The most likely source is agriculture-related and the public risk remains low,” county health officials said in a statement, according to ABC 13.

The disease has been detected in nine Texas cities, including Austin, where city officials also confirmed there have been no human cases.

Bird flu rarely spreads from person to person, so public health officials have said the public risk is low. However, people who come into close contact with animals known to carry the H5N1 virus are at higher risk of becoming infected.

Symptoms of the illness include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache and fatigue.