CDC: Avian Influenza Outbreak Poses Low Risk to People
The CDC is working with other health organizations to minimize any health risk posed by the outbreak in Lincoln County, Tennessee.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced it is working with USDA APHIS and the Tennessee Department of Health to minimize human health risks created by the avian influenza outbreak in Lincoln County, Tennessee. A protocol has been put in place to evaluate the health of poultry workers exposed to the outbreak in commercial poultry.
No human infections have been detected, and CDC considers the risk to public health from the North American H7N9 to be low, based on past instances.
The agency is still releasing public guidance related to the outbreak, including: avoid wild birds, avoid contact with domestic birds that appear ill, and avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from birds.
As of March 8, no human infections associated with the outbreak in Tennessee had been detected. "In the past, there have only been a small number (fewer than 10 in 15 years) of reported human infections with North American avian influenza A H7 viruses. Most were associated with poultry exposure and have resulted in mild respiratory illness and/or conjunctivitis," according to the agency.