TEXAS CITY, Texas – The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) has confirmed the first positive case of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Galveston County.
The case was identified in a bird found in Texas City on Dec. 5.
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Officials said a resident reported the bird to Texas City Animal Control after it displayed erratic behavior. The bird was then collected by Animal Control Officers and transported to the Animal Resource Center, where it died shortly after arrival.
The bird’s body was sent to the Department of State Health Services in Austin, where testing confirmed the presence of Avian Influenza (H5N1).
Following the confirmed case in the bird, two Texas City Animal Control Officers who responded to the incident started experiencing symptoms. Initial rapid tests conducted by GCHD returned negative results for H5N1, with confirmatory testing by the Houston Laboratory Regional Network also confirming negative results.
Two additional staff members from the Galveston County Animal Resource Center, who were potentially exposed, are currently being monitored for symptoms. At this time, no symptoms have been reported.
What is Avian Influenza?
Avian Influenza, commonly referred to as “bird flu,” is a viral infection that primarily spreads among birds but can occasionally infect humans and other animals. Influenza A (H5N1), the most common strain affecting humans, can cause severe respiratory symptoms. While the virus is widespread among wild birds globally, it has also caused outbreaks in poultry and, more recently, infections in U.S. poultry workers.
The virus can be transmitted to humans in two primary ways:
- Direct exposure to infected birds or environments contaminated by Avian Influenza A viruses.
- Via an intermediate host, such as another animal species.
What are the signs and symptoms of Avian Influenza in humans?
- Fever (100°F or higher) or chills
- Cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing
- Eye irritation or conjunctivitis
- Muscle aches, headaches, runny nose, or diarrhea (fever may not always be present)
Individuals who experience any symptoms within 10 days of exposure to an infected animal should immediately contact their healthcare provider or local health department. Testing and isolation may be recommended based on the level of exposure.