AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Public Health (APH) continuously monitors communicable diseases through various methods, wastewater surveillance being one of them. Traces of Influenza A (H5N1), also known as Bird Flu, have been detected in our wastewater. No local human cases have been reported, and current risk to the public remains low.

It is important to note that current influenza trends are low and the detection of influenza viruses in wastewater does not necessarily indicate undetected human cases. Influenza in wastewater can also come from other sources, such as birds or livestock or secretions/excretions into wastewater from infected cows or other animals in the area.

Three human cases of H5N1 associated with exposure to sick cows have been reported in the U.S., all with mild illness, but it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the virus, especially for those who work around cattle and other animals. APH is working with our local healthcare partners to provide the latest information on the virus including symptoms and testing.

Individuals are reminded to take the following steps to reduce infection:

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves when you have close or sustained contact with infected dead birds, animals or other contaminated environments.
• Avoid contact with poultry, wild birds or other animals that appear sick or dead and avoid contact with surfaces that may have been contaminated and their feces.
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after touching poultry, meat, and eggs, and keep cooking surfaces clean.
• Avoid consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk or unpasteurized milk products.

Anyone who believes they may be experiencing flu-like symptoms should visit their healthcare provider for testing and treatment.

The wastewater surveillance was conducted by the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute.

One Reported Case of H5N1 in a Person in Texas

On April 1, 2024, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued a health alert reporting the first human case of H5N1 in Texas. The case resulted from a farmworker’s exposure to infected dairy cattle, their milk, feces and/or body fluids. The existence of this case expands the possibilities for potential human exposure to the influenza virus that is now being seen in wild birds, poultry and mammals such as dairy cattle.