Bird flu detected in Houston area wastewater, no human cases detected – Houston Public Media

Avian flu has been detected in wastewater in the Houston area, according to Harris County Public Health.

HCPH officials reported that the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute detected H5N1 in wastewater samples from nine Texas cities, including the Houston area, between March 1 and May 13.

No human cases have been detected in Harris County and the source of avian flu in wastewater is unknown.

“The most likely source is linked to agriculture and the public risk remains low,” the HCPH said in a statement.

Avian flu spreads naturally among wild waterfowl and can infect domestic poultry and other species of birds and animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans, but human infections have occasionally occurred. According to the CDC, the severity of illness in humans caused by avian flu ranges from no symptoms or mild illness to severe illness leading to death.

In collaboration with the CDC, the HCPH recommends that the community:

• Avoid exposure to sick or dead animals if possible, including wild birds, poultry, other domestic birds, and other wild or domestic animals (including cows).
• If possible, avoid exposure to animal feces, bedding (litter), unpasteurized (“raw”) milk, or materials that have been touched by or near suspected or confirmed birds or other animals of the A(H5N1) virus.
• Avoid drinking raw milk. Pasteurization kills A(H5N1) viruses and pasteurized milk is drinkable.
• Be aware of the risk of exposure to avian influenza viruses and take appropriate precautions if you have professional contact with infected or potentially infected birds or other animals. When exposed to one or more infected or potentially infected animals, wear appropriate and recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). The CDC has recommendations for worker protection and PPE use.