McHenry County health officials monitor bird flu activity in region: What to do if you see dead birds

The McHenry County Department of Health is monitoring reports of bird flu in wild birds, according to a department news release late Monday.

No people have been sickened with the illness, but the department said it “encourages residents to stay informed and take precautions to minimize potential risks associated with the virus.”

Woodstock officials said last week they had reported of birds infected with bird flu, also know as H5N1 or avian influenza, and state officials are investigating a mass waterfowl mortality event in Illinois.

The health department said “highly pathogenic” H5N1 primarily affects birds but “can pose a risk of transmission to humans who have been in contact with sick or deceased birds without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).”

People should never touch dead or visibly ill birds without proper protective measures, including gloves and masks, according to the release. People should also keep dogs and pets away from bird carcasses, and people should wash their hands thoroughly and sanitize surfaces after contact with dead birds. Officials also encouraged people to report five or more dead birds to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. People can report those sightings to their local wildlife biologist here: wildlifeillinois.org/idnr-district-wildlife-biologist.

H5N1 symptoms in humans are similar to seasonal respiratory infections like seasonal flu, according to the release. It can “include uncomplicated upper respiratory tract symptoms with or without fever, influenza-like illness (fever ≥100°F plus cough or sore throat), or feeling feverish," according to the release.

Other symptoms can include:

• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue
• eye redness (conjunctivitis)
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting are less common symptoms.

The health department encouraged residents to stay informed through reputable sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Department of Agriculture.