South Carolina health officials monitoring bird flu, risk remains low

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Health officials in South Carolina are closely monitoring avian influenza activity amid the escalating outbreak in multiple states.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that has spread for years in wild birds, commercial poultry, and many mammal species.

The virus, Type A H5N1, was detected for the first time in U.S. dairy cattle in March. Since then, bird flu has been confirmed in at least 866 herds in 16 states.

More than 60 people in eight states have been infected, with mostly mild illnesses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One person in Louisiana was hospitalized with the nation’s first known severe illness caused by the virus, health officials said earlier this month.

Nearly all of those who have been infected so far worked on dairy or poultry farms.

No human cases of bird flu have been reported in South Carolina since 2022, and the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH) said the overall risk to the public is currently low.

“At this point, there is nothing most people need to do to protect themselves,” said DPH interim director Dr. Edward Simmer in a Jan. 2 statement.

People are advised to avoid direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected or suspected of being infected with avian influenza A viruses. If you encounter sick or dead birds, DPH said you should wear gloves and wash your hands immediately after.

The outbreak has also raised some concerns about the safety of the food supply in the U.S., especially poultry and dairy products.

Cooking kills the virus, so fully-cooked beef and poultry are safe to eat as are pasteurized milk and dairy products, according to DPH.

“My staff and I will continue to monitor this situation along with our state partners and will provide updates as necessary,” Simmer added.

There is currently no FDA-approved vaccination for bird flu.

The Associated Press contributed.