Ohio Department of Health reports first human case of bird flu in state
Feb 13, 2025
In Ohio, a man who worked on a farm got sick with bird flu. This is the first time a person in Ohio has had this illness. The worker was around some birds that were very sick. But don’t worry! Health experts say the chance of more people getting sick is low.
Bird flu mostly spreads from sick birds to other birds. So far, there have been 68 cases across the United States in 11 different states since early 2024. Most of these people got sick from wild birds, not from other people.
The Ohio Department of Health wants everyone to be safe. They say it's a good idea to stay away from sick or dead birds. If you see one, don’t touch it! If you must be around birds, ask an adult for help on how to be safe.
It's important to know that you can still eat chicken and other poultry safely. Just make sure it is cooked right, so it’s safe to eat. Dairy products are safe too if they are treated properly.
Remember, it is best to wash your hands often and keep away from birds that look sick. This helps you stay healthy. If you have any worries, talk to a grown-up or a doctor. They can help!
Stay safe and have fun, but remember to be careful around birds.