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Bird Flu Found in Virginia Turkeys; Officials Confirm West Nile Virus Case

USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed that the North American strain of low pathogenic H5N1 virus was present in samples taken from turkeys in Virginia.

Meanwhile Fairfax County Health Department officials have discovered the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year in Virginia.

LPAI is not a human health concern, is commonly found in birds and typically causes only minor sickness or no noticeable symptoms in birds. This LPAI strain has been found in birds in the United States and is very different from the more severe highly pathogenic H5N1 circulating in parts of Asia, Europe and Africa.

Initial screening results announced on July 11 found antibodies indicating a possible prior exposure to H5N1 in the samples, but no virus had been isolated. Further sampling and testing at NVSL allowed for sequencing testing and official laboratory confirmation of LPAI.

As specified within established procedures to respond to H5 and H7 detections, state and industry officials have completed depopulation of all of the approximately 54,000 turkeys. Virginia and industry officials have acted within the StateΉs Rapid Response Plan to immediately respond to the detection and have moved quickly to prevent further spread.

Surveillance is still being conducted within the area surrounding the infected area, and thus far all tests have been negative.

The close coordination with state and industry partners is instrumental in protecting the health of poultry in the United States. USDA will continue to work collaboratively with States to sample for avian influenza throughout the country.

Last Tuesday, the Fairfax County Health Department announced the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Virginia. The case involves a 72-year-old resident from the Springfield district. Laboratory samples of the patient were confirmed July 10 by the state's Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond. Last year, Fairfax County reported three human cases.

Humans contract West Nile virus most often from the bite of an infected mosquito; but most people bitten by infected mosquitoes do not get sick. Those who do get sick from WNV usually suffer a mild flu-like illness and recover without treatment. In few people, most often older than 50 years of age, WNV can cause serious illness such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Only supportive treatment is available for more serious cases.

The Health Department recommends the following tips to reduce exposure to mosquitoes:

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