Ohio has reported its first human case of avian flu, with a Mercer County farm worker contracting the virus after being in contact with deceased commercial poultry. The state’s health department notes that public health risks remain low and there have been no human-to-human transmissions.
According to data from the USDA, Ohio leads all states in the number of poultry affected by the bird flu virus, with over 10 million birds infected. Mercer County alone accounted for more than 5.5 million of this total. State officials are urging farmers to adopt best practices to prevent the spread of disease, including washing hands before and after contact with poultry, cleaning and disinfecting equipment, and reducing outside contact for flocks.
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, state Health Director, emphasizes that while the risk to Ohioans is low, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid unprotected exposures to sick or dead birds or their environment. He advises people to check with local health departments or veterinarians before approaching sick or dead poultry and wild birds.
Mike Oglesbee, a virologist at Ohio State University’s Infectious Diseases Institute, warns that the virus has jumped to cattle and may infect other mammalian species, increasing the risk of a new infectious disease challenge. He compares the current situation to a tropical depression in the South Atlantic, which may burn out or flare up into a more severe storm.
While health officials assess the risk level as low, Oglesbee cautions against complacency and emphasizes the importance of surveillance and preparedness. The university’s biosafety level three facility is struggling to stay open due to funding issues, and Oglesbee highlights the need for prioritizing precautionary measures.
Source: https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/02/17/ohio-health-officials-report-first-human-case-of-avian-flu