COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio has confirmed its first probable human case of the influenza A(H5) virus, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or bird flu, marking a significant development in the state’s ongoing battle with the virus. An adult male farm worker from Mercer County, who had direct contact with deceased commercial poultry, has been diagnosed with the infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that while the general risk to the public remains low, individuals with prolonged, unprotected contact with infected birds face a higher risk. Health authorities are urging the public to avoid direct contact with wild birds and deceased or sick poultry. For those in unavoidable contact situations, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to strict hygiene practices are strongly recommended.
Poultry workers and owners are advised to practice enhanced biosecurity measures to prevent the disease from spreading. These include preventing contact between domestic and wild birds and using protective gear while handling sick animals.
The bird flu outbreak has had a notable impact on the agricultural sector in Ohio. Since 2022, the virus has affected one dairy herd and several poultry flocks throughout the state. Despite these challenges, officials have reassured the public that human-to-human transmission of the virus has not been observed.
Nationally, the virus has been more widespread, with 68 confirmed human cases in 11 states since the beginning of 2024, including one fatality in Louisiana, mostly linked to commercial agriculture or contact with wild birds.
Health officials, including ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff and ODA Director Brian Baldridge, have highlighted ongoing efforts to mitigate the outbreak’s impact through education on biosecurity practices among farmers. They emphasize the safety of consuming properly cooked poultry and pasteurized dairy products, which eliminate bacteria and viruses that can cause illness.
“While the risk to Ohioans is low, the best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid unprotected exposures to sick or dead birds or to their environment,” said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA. “People should avoid direct contact with poultry or wild birds and take proper precautions, including reaching out for guidance regarding personal protection and safe handling, if you must be around sick or dead birds.”
“Ohio is experiencing the largest outbreak of positive detections in commercial poultry to date, which requires critical action from our department and our federal partners, to contain and prevent the spread of disease,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “As we continue to respond to these incidents, our staff on-site continues to educate farmers and their workers on best biosecurity practices. We strongly encourage all Ohio farmers to use good biosecurity to help keep disease away from the farm.”
There are no known cases of human-to-human transmission.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and encourage anyone who has been exposed to potentially infected birds to watch for respiratory symptoms and report any health concerns to local officials