(Immediately report any suspected cases to the Jefferson County Health Department at 920-728-9271)
1. Screen for exposure in patients with influenza-like illness :
Ask about recent contact with sick or dead birds, poultry, or other animals.
Ask about occupational or residential exposure on farms where avian influenza has been confirmed.
Consider exposure among farmworkers, veterinarians, wildlife workers, and household members of farm staff.
2. Clinical evaluation and testing:
Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, conjunctivitis, or severe acute respiratory illness.
If avian influenza is suspected, contact the Jefferson County Health Department Health Officer immediately at 920-728-9271 for testing coordination.
Obtain nasopharyngeal swabs for influenza PCR. If conjunctivitis is present, a conjunctival swab must be collected alongside a nasopharyngeal swab. The importance behind collecting both swabs is that many human cases were positive on the conjunctival swab ONLY, and negative on the nasopharyngeal swab.
3. Infection control precautions:
Place suspected patients in an airborne infection isolation room if available.
Use standard, contact, and airborne precautions, including gown, gloves, fit-tested N95 (or higher-level respirator), and eye protection.
Limit exposure of staff and visitors until avian influenza has been ruled out.
Encourage the patient to isolate at home away from their household members and not go to work or school until they hear from Jefferson County Health Department.
4. Antiviral treatment and prophylaxis:
Patients meeting epidemiologic exposure criteria who develop signs and symptoms should start empiric treatment with oseltamivir as soon as possible.
Post-exposure prophylaxis may be recommended for close contacts
5. Reporting:
Immediately report any suspected or confirmed cases to the Jefferson County Health Department at 920-728-9271.
Prompt reporting ensures timely coordination with DHS and CDC.