H5N1 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Avian influenza A (H5N1) (also known as bird flu) refers to the disease caused by infection with avian influenza type A viruses. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. To date, several outbreaks have occurred among U.S. poultry and dairy cows.

Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans. However, the current strain of H5 bird flu has caused some sporadic human infections. Most human cases have been mild and have not spread from person to person. Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation.

This particular strain may be referred to by several different names, including H5N1, avian influenza A (H5N1), avian influenza, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or simply bird flu. These names are often used interchangeably but refer to the same illness. IDPH generally uses the terminology avian influenza A (H5N1).

Human infections with the bird flu virus can occur when the virus enters a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled. Exposure to bird flu includes close exposure (within 6 feet) to birds or other animals with confirmed bird flu virus infection; direct contact with surfaces contaminated with feces, unpasteurized (raw) milk, other unpasteurized dairy products, or bird or animal parts from infected birds or animals; visiting a live bird market with confirmed bird flu virus infections in birds or associated case of human infection; exposure to another person infected with bird flu; or laboratory exposure to bird flu.

Individuals who have had no contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces are considered to be at a very low risk of infection.

The reported signs and symptoms of bird flu virus infections in humans have ranged from no symptoms to mild or severe.

• Eye redness (conjunctivitis)
• Mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms
• Pneumonia requiring hospitalization
• Fever (temperature of 100ºF [37.8ºC] or greater) or feeling feverish
  • Fever may not always be present
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Less common signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures.

To stay safe, avoid exposure to sick or dead animals. If you cannot avoid exposure, use respiratory and eye protection when around dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, and other domesticated birds; other wild or domesticated animals; or animal feces, litter, or materials contaminated by birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed influenza A (H5N1).

Not at this time. It’s safe to consume food from animals, including dairy products, eggs, and meat, as long as it has been thoroughly cooked. It’s always a good idea to wash your hands and surfaces, including utensils, during food preparation involving raw eggs, meat, or milk to further prevent illness.

Given the concern regarding avian influenza in wild birds (especially waterfowl, aquatic birds, and birds of prey), plus the fact that a larger number of dead birds may increase the possibility that avian influenza was the cause of death, the following are tips to reduce the potential risk of avian influenza spreading to people who may need to pick up dead birds on their property. While it is unlikely that safely handling dead birds would lead to human infection, it is best to be cautious. If you develop flu-like symptoms within 10 days of disposing of a group of dead birds, contact your local health department.

• Disposable waterproof gloves
• Plastic bags
• Safety goggles (if splashing may occur during removal of the bird from the environment)
• N95 mask (if splashing may occur during removal of the bird from the environment)
• Secure trash can

1. Don’t use bare hands to pick up a dead bird or animal.
2. Use disposable, waterproof gloves and/or an inverted plastic bag to collect the dead bird(s). Double the plastic bag with the bird(s) inside and dispose of them in the trash where children or animals cannot access the material.
3. Consider wearing a raincoat or disposable plastic trash bag over your clothes.
4. If the bird is in a wet environment or where splashing may occur during removal, safety goggles or glasses and an N95 mask (available in retail stores) can be used to protect your eyes, nose, and mouth.
5. After handling a bird, avoid touching your face with gloved or unwashed hands.
6. After the bird(s) are disposed of, remove your gloves first and carefully place them into a plastic bag for disposal.
7. Wash hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
8. Remove mask and goggles. It is important to NOT touch your face with hands or gloves that are contaminated. Remove your mask after removing your gloves.
9. Dispose of any disposable equipment after use (such as masks and gloves) and disinfect other equipment (like safety goggles) according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
10. Wash clothes in a washing machine with detergent and use the hot water cycle. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after handling the clothes.
11. Disinfect your shoes using one of the following methods:
    1. Prepare a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and submerge shoes in the solution for 10 minutes. The mixed solution is good for seven days.
    2. Spray your shoes with a benzalkonium chloride-based commercial disinfectant (such as Lysol® spray or a similar product) and allow them to air dry.
12. Contact your local health department for an exposure assessment and to monitor symptoms.

Contact your local health department. They can provide resources and help you determine if you will need additional follow-up.

IDPH has rapidly undertaken a broad range of activities to protect the health of Illinois residents. Some examples include but are not limited to:

• IDPH works with local health departments to monitor people exposed to avian influenza H5N1 for 10 days following their last exposure. These typically include flock owners or workers and personnel from wildlife rehabilitation facilities, animal control facilities, and veterinary offices.
• The IDPH dairy program collects milk samples from milk processing plants for avian influenza H5N1 testing at the USDA laboratory.
• IDPH coordinates with the Illinois Departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture on situations involving avian influenza H5N1 positive animals.
• IDPH monitors influenza trends throughout the year and conducts influenza subtyping at public health labs, which can detect H5N1. Data is publicly available on the Respiratory Illness Dashboard.
• IDPH and partners conduct wastewater surveillance to monitor influenza trends. Wastewater data are analyzed weekly for unusual or unseasonal activity where additional investigation may be needed.