Bird flu case confirmed in Texas City after infected bird found

TEXAS CITY, Texas - The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) confirmed the first case of avian influenza (H5N1), a virus often called "bird flu", was detected in a bird found in Texas City earlier this month.

The infected bird was reported to Texas City Animal Control on Dec. 5 by a resident who noticed it behaving erratically. Animal Control officers collected the bird and took it to the Animal Resource Center, where it died shortly after arrival. Testing conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin confirmed the presence of bird flu.

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Avian influenza is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can sometimes spread to humans and other animals. The H5N1 strain, the most common type to infect humans, can cause severe respiratory symptoms. While the virus is widespread among wild birds globally, it has also led to outbreaks in poultry and, more recently, cases among U.S. dairy workers.

"The reason why everyone is so concerned about it is that it can be pathogenic and, in the past, has caused a lot of serious harm among humans," said Dr. Philip Keiser, Local Health Authority for Galveston County. "Just by breathing the same air who has it, you can get it that way." 

According to Keiser, this variant was the variant that killed millions during the 1918 flu epidemic. He said there have been multiple cases in the United States, at least 57 cases. 

Health officials say the virus can spread to humans through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, as well as through intermediate hosts, such as other animals. Symptoms of avian influenza in humans include fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and eye irritation. Fever, however, may not always be present.

After they came in contact with the infected bird, two Texas City Animal Control officers who responded to the incident developed symptoms. Rapid tests conducted by GCHD returned negative results for H5N1, with follow-up testing by the Houston Laboratory Regional Network also confirming no infection. Two other staff members from the Galveston County Animal Resource Center, who may have been exposed, are being monitored but have not reported any symptoms.

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The GCHD is asking residents to be cautious when handling sick or dead birds. Officials recommend contacting local health departments or wildlife agencies for guidance on handling and testing.

"For the most part, people have mild illness, normal flu, or upper raspatory tract infection. People have fever, some people have shortness of breath and headache. For this type of avian flu, they get gingivitis in the eye, their eye turns red," said Keiser. 

Health district officials in Galveston say that they are most concerned about people who work with livestock, particularly people who work on commercial farms. However, Keiser says if you keep animals with you at home, including small birds like chickens, you are not exempt. 

"If you find yourself in that situation, it's very, very important to get vaccinated. 1. The current flu vaccination will help protect against that, and the second thing is, if you get sick, go see your doctor right away," said Keiser. "If you have animals, and they die, don’t just have a little funeral for them in the backyard. Call up the health department, let us know, and we will get the bird tested and find out if it's something you need to be worried about." 

Anyone experiencing symptoms within 10 days of exposure to an infected animal should contact a healthcare provider or local health department immediately. Testing and isolation may be necessary based on exposure levels.