Health Department

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a disease caused by an influenza (flu) A virus, such as H5N1. Bird flu is contagious and infects poultry (e.g., chickens, turkey, ducks) and other wild birds. H5N1 bird flu is widespread in bird populations and has caused the deaths of millions of birds in the United States. This same H5N1 virus also been identified as recently infecting dairy cattle herds in 9 states. At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the risk of H5N1 bird flu infection for the general public who do not have exposure to infected animals remains low. There have been no reported H5N1 bird flu infections in dairy cows or people in Virginia. Human bird flu infections are rare, but possible. Bird flu can spread to humans from infected animals when enough virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth or is inhaled. Recently there have been three human cases associated with an ongoing multistate outbreak in U.S. dairy cows (one additional case was identified in 2022 with no links to cows). To date, there has been no evidence of person-to-person spread of H5N1. However, people with close, long, unprotected contact with infected animals, or environments contaminated by infected animals are at higher risk of getting infected. So far, such infections have been rare. Information for Backyard Flock Owners Backyard poultry can carry germs that can make you sick. Follow general guidance keep you and your backyard flock healthy. Watch this video about keeping your flock healthy. Bird flu can spread quickly in your flock. Prevent contact with wild birds. Know the signs of bird flu and have a plan for what to do if your birds get sick. And always wash your hands with soap and water before and right after handling eggs, chickens, or anything in their environment. Domesticated poultry can get infected with bird flu viruses through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. See this infographic about how backyard poultry can spread bird flu to people (Spanish version). According to the CDC, infected birds may show one or more of the following signs: Sudden death without prior illness Lack of energy and appetite Decreased egg production or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs Swelling of head, comb, eyelid, wattles, and hocks Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs Nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing Incoordination Diarrhea. An occasional unexplained bird death is normal. Several dead or ill birds in your flock is not normal. If there is no obvious cause of death and you see any sign of illness in your birds, take steps to protect yourself: Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when around sick or dead birds. Don’t touch sick or dead birds, their feces, litter, or any surface or water source that might be contaminated with their saliva, feces, or any other bodily fluids without wearing PPE. Learn more about recommended PPE and safe PPE removal. Wash your hands with soap and water after touching birds. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after contact with birds or potentially contaminated surfaces and materials until you have washed your hands well. As best as possible avoid stirring up dust, bird waste, and feathers when cleaning to prevent virus from spreading into the air. See this checklist for cleaning. Immediately report unusual deaths or multiple sick birds to State Veterinarian’s Office at 804-692-0601 or at vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov or the U.S. Department of Agriculture by calling 1-866-536-7593. Additionally, you should check yourself for symptoms for 10 days after the last day of exposure to potentially infected birds or contaminated materials. See a healthcare provider if you become ill (even if symptoms are mild) after contact with sick birds and let them know before your visit of your recent exposure and symptoms. Stay away from other people and do not go to work or school until you have been evaluated. See more detailed information from the CDC about protecting yourself from Bird Flu. See more information and resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture about protecting your flock. Additional Information Everyone can take steps to protect themselves from bird flu. Avoid direct contact with wild birds. Observe them only from a distance, if possible. Avoid touching sick or dead animals and surfaces that may have been contaminated with their feces. Learn what to do if you find dead birds. Wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling poultry, meat, and eggs. Drink pasteurized milk, not raw milk/milk products. Cook poultry, meat, and eggs to the right internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses, including H5N1 viruses. Get your yearly flu vaccine to reduce the risk of human influenza infection and of human and bird flu infections occurring together. For the information on the most recent bird flu developments in the U.S., please visit the CDC Current Situation Summary page or the VDH Novel and Variant Influenza (Flu) A Viruses page. Visit our web page and follow us on social media for updates on bird flu as they are available and other health topics.

Binbin Yang leading CDSMP workshop at Lake Anne House Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month  Chronic conditions — like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes — are persistent health conditions that require ongoing management and care. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) empowers those living with chronic disease to care for their physical and mental well-being through education, skills, and support. Binbin Yang, Senior Community Health Specialist who works primarily with the Chinese community, in collaboration with Silver Light Seniors Association conducts a CDSMP workshop in Chinese. Participants meet every Monday for six weeks at Lake Anne House, where they develop skills, set goals, and create personalized action plans for the following week. “The action plan is a crucial part of CDSMP,” said Binbin. “Participants utilize self-management tools and skills they learned from the workshop, integrate their cultural traditions and routines into the action plan, gradually change their health behaviors, and become better chronic disease self-managers.” Program participant, 89-year-old Chunquan Zhang, shared his action plan of the week: calligraphy. Zhang says practicing the precise movements required in calligraphy enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor control. Calligraphy also helps him remain sharp and focused, as the rhythmic nature of calligraphy has a calming effect and helps reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall mental well-being. By taking things one week at a time, participants are able to incorporate accessible and lasting techniques they can use to manage their illness. By the end of the six-week program, participants often demonstrate significant improvements in pain levels, exercise, cognitive symptom management, fatigue, and increased confidence in their ability to manage their chronic illness. To learn more about the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program email hdoutreach@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is proclaiming May Fight the Bite Awareness Month in Fairfax County and encouraging residents to take preventative actions to prevent tick and mosquito bites. The bite of an infected mosquito or tick can lead to a life-changing illness. West Nile virus and Lyme disease are two of the vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, respectively, in our region. Taking simple precautions when spending time outdoors can make an impact on both individual and public health. The Fairfax County Health Department recommends residents use insect repellents that contain EPA-registered ingredients like DEET or picaridin to prevent bites. Follow product instructions when using repellents. In addition, residents can: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors. Use permethrin-treated clothing, shoes, and gear. Follow product instructions. Shower soon after outdoor activities; and make sure to perform tick checks (on yourself and family members) after outdoor activities. Put clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes on high heat after being outdoors to kill ticks on dry clothing after coming indoors. The Health Department offers residents a free tick-identification service. If you find a tick on yourself or loved one, you can submit a photo online, mail it in, or bring it to our facility. Our Environmental Health staff will identify it and provide you with information about the type of tick and what diseases that tick may transmit. Please note: this service does not test ticks for disease and our staff do not provide medical advice. This identification can be useful if you need to speak to a medical provider. Education and awareness are also important ways to prevent mosquito and tick-borne disease. To help spread the word, the Health Department continues to work with community partners to provide prevention information. Learn how to prevent and control mosquitoes in your yard with a free yard inspection and why tipping and tossing standing water disrupts the mosquito life cycle. In addition, the 20th Anniversary of the Fight the Bite calendar will be going home with all FCPS 4th graders in June. Copies will also be available for pick up at the Health Department Administration building. Learn more about the Disease Carrying Insect Program and how you can help fight the bite.