Photo: AFP
1 case of avian influenza (H5N1), A.K.A. "Bird Flu," has been detected in Texas City in Galveston County.
The bird in question was reported to Texas City Animal Control on December 5th, and the Department of State Health Services in Austin tested and confirmed that it was infected with the virus.
H5N1 can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected birds, but it can also be transmitted through intermediate hosts, like other animals.
Symptoms in humans usually include fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and eye irritation.
So far, none of the Texas City Animal Control officers who responded have tested positive for the disease.