Austin Public Health finds avian flu in wastewater – KVUE.com

Austin Public Health said there is a low risk to the community at this time.

AUSTIN, Texas The first reports of the avian flu have been found in the Austin area.

According to Austin Public Health (APH), H5N1, sometimes called Influenza A, was recently locatedin the city's wastewater system.

Despite this, APH said there is no apparent threat to the public at this time and no instances have been detected in humans in the city.

Avian flu, or bird flu, was detected in cattle on three dairy farms in the Texas Panhandle earlier this spring.

In March, a West Texas farmworker contracted the disease after working with infected dairy cattle. Then in May, the illness was also found in a person in Michigan.

H5N1 found in wastewater often comes from birds, livestock and secretion from cows or other impacted animals, according to APH.

When humans are infected, the virus often spreads through the eyes, nose or mouth, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Although avian flu has only been detected in three humans in the U.S., it's still important to be aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for.

Some of the most common concerns include a fever, sore throat, eye redness, nausea and seizures, according to Texas Health and Human Services.

APH said all instances of the illness in the U.S. have so far been mild.

In general, stay away from any sick or dead animals, as well as areas that have been contaminated by feces.

If you do come into contact with dead birds infected by the disease, APH recommends wearing masks, gloves or other protective materials.

When handling eggs, meat and poultry in particular, make sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds or more.

Additionally, do not consume raw milk, cheese or any other unpasteurized foods or drinks.

By taking these precautions, you can avoid the spread of avian flu to others throughout the country.

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Austin Public Health finds avian flu in wastewater - KVUE.com