As bird flu hits headlines, there are growing concerns over who is at risk and how to stay safe. Let’s connect the dots.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bird flu is spreading nationwide, hitting farmers and millions of Americans in their wallets.
A new strain of H5N1 bird flu has been detected in dairy cows in Nevada. A worker exposed to the cows also tested positive, but health officials say the risk to the public remains low.
They say there’s no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
The virus has been spreading among birds for years, but its presence in cattle raises concerns.
Research shows cats and dogs can also be infected if they’re exposed to sick or dead birds. They can also get sick if they eat undercooked meat or raw milk or cream.Â
Experts say pasteurized milk is still safe to drink, but they warn against consuming raw milk or cheese. They also advise people to avoid interacting with wild birds or sick animals. Properly cooking poultry is also a must.Â
Meanwhile, egg prices are soaring.
That’s because infected poultry flocks are being culled to stop the virus from spreading. Some restaurants are even adding extra charges for eggs.
Scientists are still studying this new strain.
While most human cases have been mild, experts say monitoring and communication are key to controlling the outbreak.
