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PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) – The South Dakota Department of Health says they have detected the bird flu in Edmunds and Hamlin Counties.
At this time the Department is monitoring the situation.
Below is the full release of information:
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Situation: Highly pathogenic avian influenza A has been detected in poultry flocks in Edmunds and Hamlin Counties. The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) asks medical providers to be alert for influenza infections in patients with potential exposure to influenza A-infected animals within 10 days prior to symptom onset. Persons presenting with flu-like illness (fever, chills, cough, or sore throat) with or without conjunctivitis should be asked about contact with sick or dead poultry or other animals. SD-DOH staff are available for consultation by calling 800-592-1861.
Per CDC HAN 506: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus: Identification of Human Infection and Recommendations for Investigations and Response, if signs and symptoms of influenza are present among an exposed person:
- Isolate patient and follow infection control recommendations, including using PPE.
- Initiate empiric antiviral treatment as soon as possible. Do not delay treatment while awaiting laboratory results.
- Notify SD-DOH to arrange testing for influenza A virus subtyping at the SD Public Health Laboratory.
- Collect respiratory specimens from the patient to test for influenza A virus. If the person has conjunctivitis, with or without respiratory symptoms, both a conjunctival swab and a nasopharyngeal swab should be collected for testing.
- Encourage the patient to isolate at home away from their household members and to not go to work or school until test results are available to guide next steps.
Additional information is available at the following:
- SD-DOH Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Poultry, Cattle, and Other Animals: https://doh.sd.gov/topics/
diseases/infectious-diseases/ influenza/h5n1/ - SD-PHL Influenza Subtyping (under “Hot Topics”): https://doh.sd.gov/laboratory/
medical-microbiology-testing/ - CDC Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/
prevention/hpai-interim- recommendations.html - USDA HPAI Influenza Detections: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/
h5n1-hpai
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