H5N1 can cause illness in humans. As of June 2024, four people have been infected by the H5N1 virus. These individuals were in close contact with or worked directly with infected animals, such as domestic birds and cows. There has been no evidence that the virus can pass from person to person.
The risk to the general public is low. However, people with close or prolonged unprotected exposures to infected birds, other animals, or contaminated environments are at greater risk of infection.
Wild birds spread the virus to other birds through their saliva, mucus, or feces. Other mammals and domestic birds can become infected when exposed to the saliva, mucus, feces, blood, milk, brain, or other tissues of infected birds, either through direct contact or a contaminated environment.
As mentioned above, humans rarely become infected but can become ill through similar contact with infected animals.
There is currently no human vaccine in the U.S. to use against H5N1. Here are recommendations for the public to prevent an H5N1 infection:
Avoid unprotected exposures to:
• Sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals
• Animal feces, litter, or materials contaminated by birds or other potentially infected animals
If direct or close contact is necessary, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including:
- Properly fitted unvented or indirectly vented safety goggles
- Disposable gloves
- Boots or boot covers
- A NIOSH-approved particulate respirator (e.g., N95® filtering facepiece respirator, ideally fit-tested)
- Disposable fluid-resistant coveralls
- Disposable head cover or hair cover
Additional precautions
- Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses.
- Choose pasteurized milk and products made with pasteurized milk. Avoid raw milk and any foods made with raw milk.
- Wash your hands regularly
Here is information to keep you protected when during the summer fair season in Wisconsin.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:
- Mild: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, eye redness or irritation, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache
- Moderate to severe: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pneumonia, altered mental status
People exposed to the virus should monitor themselves for new symptoms for 10 days after their last exposure. If you start experiencing symptoms consistent with those listed above and have had unprotected exposure to an infected animal or a contaminated environment:
1. Isolate yourself from others, including household members, and avoid going to work or school until it has been determined that you do not have H5N1.
2. Seek prompt medical evaluation. You may need a lab test to confirm the presence of H5N1 and possibly antiviral treatment.
3. Notify the City of Milwaukee Health Department at 414-286-6800.