Barren River District Health Department shares guidance on bird flu

BARREN COUNTY, Ky. – Bird Flu (H5N1) infects animals and humans by the spread from bird droppings, including feces, mucus and saliva.

According to the Barren River District Health Department, if humans come into close contact with infected animals, they can get H5N1 and spread it to other people.

Symptoms include sore throat, shortness of breath, eye redness, fever, cough, headaches and muscle aches. This can be cured by medical professionals and the disease is considered extremely rare.

Farmers are advised to wear protective gear around dead or sick animals. Everyone shouldn’t drink raw or unpasteurized milk, and wash their hands throughout the day.

Barren River Health Department

If symptoms appear, tests are available from primary health providers.