CDC confirms two human cases of avian influenza in Franklin Co.

For immediate release: October 24, 2024 (24-127)

Contact: WA-DOH Communications

All cases were poultry workers exposed to infected birds, no evidence of human-to-human transmission

OLYMPIA - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed that two people who had presumptive positive tests run by WA-DOH earlier in the week have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) after an outbreak at a commercial poultry farm in Franklin County (WA). Confirmatory test results on other samples are pending.

WA-DOH, Benton-Franklin Heath District (BFHD), and CDC have staff on site who are investigating exposures to workers and testing workers. Testing initially occurs at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory. Any presumptive positive test samples at the State Public Health Laboratory are sent to CDC for confirmation. Until CDC provides this confirmation of a positive result, it is considered presumptive positive.

There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission at this time. All the identified infections are among workers who had contact with infected birds or their environments. No patients have experienced severe illness or been hospitalized.

WA-DOH, BFHD, and additional partners are providing personal protective equipment (PPE), outreach and education for the workers, and the community. Medications for exposed workers, and seasonal influenza vaccines are also being offered to workers.

Seasonal influenza vaccines do not protect against avian influenza infection, but they make it less likely that a person could get coinfected with both seasonal influenza and avian influenza at the same time. Coinfection increases the risk that a strain of avian influenza virus could arise that spreads easily from person to person. WA-DOH recommends seasonal influenza vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older, and they are also supporting efforts to make vaccine more available for agricultural workers across the state. Additional testing, contact tracing, and symptom monitoring is occurring for the impacted workforce.

Any employees or contractors who may have worked on a poultry farm in Benton or Franklin counties since October 7, 2024, should contact BFHD at 509-460-4550 if they have symptoms, such as red eyes, feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, or other influenza-like illness.

Avian influenza is a disease caused by influenza Type A viruses that naturally occur in wild aquatic birds throughout the world. These viruses can also infect other species of birds, and occasionally mammals, and can cause significant mortality in poultry.

On rare occasions, avian influenza viruses infect people and make them sick. Most instances of people becoming infected with avian influenza have happened after prolonged, close contact with animals infected with avian influenza or environments contaminated with avian influenza.

The CDC currently considers the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low; however, people with job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds, cattle, or other potentially infected domestic or wild animals, are at higher risk and should take precautions, including wearing PPE such as mask, gown, gloves, and eye protection.

People with backyard poultry should report any sick or dead birds to the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 1-800-606-3056 or report sick domestic birds online. Veterinarians should report sick or dead domestic animals or livestock suspected of having avian influenza to WSDA: https://fortress.wa.gov/agr/apps/rad/.

Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and report sick or dead wild birds or other animals to the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife. WA-DOH reminds the community to never handle or allow pets near dead birds or other wildlife. For more information on safety precautions, visit https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/avian-influenza.

The WA-DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and follow us on X (formerly Twitter). Sign up for the WA-DOH blog, Public Health Connection.

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