Mar 09 2025 3 mins
Good afternoon, listeners. This is Dr. Ava Thurston from the National Health Protection Agency. Thank you for joining us for this public health briefing. The purpose of today’s announcement is to update you on the current status of the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, assess its implications for public health, and outline immediate actions to safeguard our communities.
We are presently at Alert Level 3, which signifies a heightened risk of localized outbreaks. This level highlights the importance of vigilance as H5N1 has the potential to affect both poultry and humans with possibly severe outcomes. Our objective is to swiftly contain and mitigate the spread while keeping the public informed and safe.
The key symptoms of H5N1 in humans include high fever above 100.4°F or 38°C, severe cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly following contact with birds or poultry environments, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms such as mild respiratory distress, or fatigue can often be observed at home with strict self-isolation protocols, but should promptly be reported if they worsen.
For those involved in poultry farming or other avian-related occupations, it is crucial to adhere to containment protocols. Always wear protective gear including gloves, masks, and eye protection when handling birds. Report unusual bird illnesses or increased mortality rates to authorities without delay. Regular sanitation and biosecurity measures must be heightened to prevent cross-contamination among flocks and to humans.
For the general public, we advise several priority guidelines. Firstly, avoid any non-essential visits to live poultry markets or farms. Maintain rigorous hand hygiene by washing with soap and water, especially after contact with birds or surfaces in public spaces. It is strongly advised to avoid consuming undercooked poultry or eggs as a preventative measure. Should you observe any signs of illness in your surroundings, practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible.
Furthermore, our school systems have been instructed to increase health surveillance and keep parents informed on any developments involving students. Individual households are encouraged to establish a communication plan in case family members become symptomatic and require medical care.
For additional resources and up-to-the-minute information, I direct you to our website or social media channels. Should you need immediate assistance or to report a case, please contact our emergency hotline at 1-800-555-0199, available 24/7.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation. Your role in this situation is invaluable, and with a collective effort, we can manage this challenge effectively. Please stay alert and take care of your health.
We are presently at Alert Level 3, which signifies a heightened risk of localized outbreaks. This level highlights the importance of vigilance as H5N1 has the potential to affect both poultry and humans with possibly severe outcomes. Our objective is to swiftly contain and mitigate the spread while keeping the public informed and safe.
The key symptoms of H5N1 in humans include high fever above 100.4°F or 38°C, severe cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly following contact with birds or poultry environments, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms such as mild respiratory distress, or fatigue can often be observed at home with strict self-isolation protocols, but should promptly be reported if they worsen.
For those involved in poultry farming or other avian-related occupations, it is crucial to adhere to containment protocols. Always wear protective gear including gloves, masks, and eye protection when handling birds. Report unusual bird illnesses or increased mortality rates to authorities without delay. Regular sanitation and biosecurity measures must be heightened to prevent cross-contamination among flocks and to humans.
For the general public, we advise several priority guidelines. Firstly, avoid any non-essential visits to live poultry markets or farms. Maintain rigorous hand hygiene by washing with soap and water, especially after contact with birds or surfaces in public spaces. It is strongly advised to avoid consuming undercooked poultry or eggs as a preventative measure. Should you observe any signs of illness in your surroundings, practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible.
Furthermore, our school systems have been instructed to increase health surveillance and keep parents informed on any developments involving students. Individual households are encouraged to establish a communication plan in case family members become symptomatic and require medical care.
For additional resources and up-to-the-minute information, I direct you to our website or social media channels. Should you need immediate assistance or to report a case, please contact our emergency hotline at 1-800-555-0199, available 24/7.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation. Your role in this situation is invaluable, and with a collective effort, we can manage this challenge effectively. Please stay alert and take care of your health.