Galveston County health officials have confirmed cases of H5 avian influenza in local birds. Ten people who had contact with the birds tested negative, and the risk to the public remains low. Cat owners are urged to monitor outdoor pets.
Health officials in Galveston County have confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in the area. This comes after tests in a lab found an H5 type of influenza type A, which is thought to be highly pathogenic avian influenza. The Galveston County Health District said that 27 dead birds were found, and six of them were sent to the University of Texas Medical Branch to be diagnosed.
The University of Texas Medical Branch checked out ten people who had close contact with the infected birds and found them to be healthy. Officials said that everyone who said they had flu symptoms was checked, and all of the tests came back negative. As a safety measure, eight people are taking Tamiflu as post-exposure prevention. Officials in charge of health said that there is "no evidence of human-to-human transmission" in the county and that the general risk to public health is still low.
The district also sent out a specific message for cat lovers. Because some mammals can get avian influenza, officials warned people to be careful with cats that walk outside and may hunt or scavenge for sick or dead birds. Pets that come into contact with infected wildlife may be more likely to get sick.
People who own cats were told to look out for symptoms like sudden tiredness, loss of appetite, fever, and breathing problems, or rapid breathing. Anyone who is worried about their pet's health should take them to the vet.
According to the Galveston County Health District, they will keep an eye on things and give reports as new information comes in.
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