Ongoing circulation of influenza A(H5N1) in dairy cattle including raw milk and birds.
Human influenza A viruses are responsible for seasonal epidemics in people and are different from the
influenza viruses that typically circulate in swine or wild birds, commonly known as novel influenza viruses.
While rare, novel influenza viruses can spread between people and animal sources like birds, swine, or cattle.
Novel influenza viruses are of public health concern because they can gain the ability to spread easily from
person to person, which might cause the next influenza pandemic.
On May 22, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a second human case of
highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) associated with an ongoing multistate outbreak of A(H5N1)
in dairy cows. Both human cases reported in the US this year had a negative nasal swab for influenza but
tested positive for influenza A(H5N1) through an eye swab.
Agricultural fairs bring communities together and are an important resource for youth educational programs.
Influenza can spread wherever people and animals congregate, including at fairs and festivals. Past agricultural
fairs in West Virginia have been linked to human infections caused by variant influenza A viruses that are
commonly found in swine. Considering the ongoing circulation of influenza A(H5N1) in birds and dairy
cattle including raw milk, the West Virginia Department of Health is enhancing surveillance for influenza
during the summer months when influenza incidence is usually low.
Follow-up with your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
Update: 3rd human case reported by CDC 5-31-2024
Hancock County Health Department
P.O. Box 578
850 N. Chester Street
New Cumberland, WV 26047
(Get Directions)
Jackie L. Huff
Administrator
304 564-3343 ext 123
304 670-2484
Becky Weekley
Office Assistant II
304 564-3343 ext 121
Carolyne Baker
Registered Sanitarian
304 564-3343 ext 130
Chelsea Everly
Sanitarian 2/ TP Coordinator
304 564-3343 ext 127
Michelle Berneburg
RN Supervisor, Epidemiology, Immunizations, Tuberculosis
304 564-3343 ext 129
Morgan Watson
Nursing, HIV/STD program
304-564-3343 ext 132
John Plesa
BOH member
Term July 2023- June 2028
Democrat/Clay
Ronnie Jones
BOH member-Chair
Term July 2022-June 2026
Republican/Butler
Lisa Ludovici
BOH member
Term July 2023-June 2028
Republican/Grant
Nicole Glass
BOH member- Vice Chair
Term July 2019-June2024
No Party Affliation/Grant
Sandra Haspel
BOH member
Term July2020-June 2025
Democrat/ Butler
Posted 06/17/24
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