Public health risk from bird flu remains low: What to know about the virus

While another human case of bird flu in Colorado has been confirmed, the government says the current public health risk is low .

Here’s what different agencies say about the virus.

More: Bird flu cases in Colorado: 6 human cases now confirmed in Weld County poultry workers

How do humans get bird flu?

Avian influenza (or bird flu) is a disease caused by some flu viruses that usually spread among birds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

However, humans can get infected by breathing in droplets or “by touching surfaces contaminated with infected bird mucus, saliva or feces and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose.”

Some of the birds that can be infected include ducks, swans, geese, chickens and turkeys. Bird flu can also affect other types of animals, like cows .

Can humans spread bird flu to each other?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there have been over 3 million birds affected in the past month in Colorado. But animals do not usually spread it to humans, nor do humans to other humans.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says “ there are no known cases of the current H5N1 avian flu virus spreading between people .”

What are bird flu symptoms?

If you’ve been in contact with a sick bird or contaminated surface, the CDC says you should contact your health department and pay attention to the following symptoms during the 10 days following your exposure :

• Fever (temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Eye tearing, redness or irritation
• Headaches
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Diarrhea

If you work with dairy cows or poultry that may have bird flu and start to feel sick, you can call the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at 303-692-2700 (or 303-370-9395 after normal business hours) to arrange a bird flu test and medication if it is needed.

Are animal products safe to eat?

In a recent release , the state health department says it is safe to eat poultry products.

“The proper handling and cooking of poultry, meat, and eggs kills bacteria and viruses, including avian flu viruses,” according to the release.

As for milk (and cheese), the Food and Drug Administration says pasteurized milk products are safe to consume. Pasteurization is a process that “has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza viruses.”

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Public health risk from bird flu remains low: What to know about the virus