H5N1 Avian Influenza
and Managing Wastes
What is H5N1?
H5N1 virus is a type of influenza A virus found in birds that can infect humans.
H5N1 gets a lot of attention because it may be a virus that could mutate, or change,
and rapidly spread from person to person. If this happens a flu pandemic could result. Influenza is a disease of humans and animals caused by a virus. Influenza A viruses start out as avian (bird) viruses in wild birds. They can spread to domestic
birds and other animals such as pigs. Influenza A viruses do not usually infect people, but sometimes a strain of the virus develops that can make people sick.
How is H5N1 virus different from other flu viruses?
H5N1 virus is different because it has not spread among humans before. There is not much immunity, or ability for the body to fight the disease, in the world’s human population. The seasonal flu
viruses that circulate around the world each year are typically not able to cause widespread disease.
How are all flu viruses spread?
When a person is sick with the flu and coughs or sneezes, small droplets that contain flu virus come
out. Someone else can get the flu by breathing in the droplets. A person can also get the flu virus by
touching the droplets with their hands and then rubbing their eyes, nose or mouth. Basic hygiene,
such as covering your cough and handwashing are important to stop the spread of flu.
Can I get H5N1?
The H5N1 virus has not been found in birds in the United States or Canada. The H5N1 virus does not
infect humans easily even in countries where there have been lots of sick birds.
What is the government doing about H5N1?
The agricultural, wildlife and public health agencies are constantly monitoring wild and domestic
birds and people for dangerous diseases. If H5N1 is found in the US, or in Minnesota, you will be
informed if there are any risks to you at home or at work.
If H5N1 does show up in the US, can I get the flu by handling dead
birds or garbage?
We have reviewed the current science that has looked at relationships between flu and solid waste.
Based on that review, waste materials that have been in contact with a bird that has H5N1 or that
have been in contact with people that have the H5N1 virus are not a health risk to waste handlers.
Wastes that are collected in the community can be managed as mixed municipal solid waste (MSW),
just as they are during any flu season.
In some cases there will be special disposal advice when large flocks of birds are culled to control
the disease. Federal and state agencies will have advice for those special situations.
Based on our research we recommend that waste handlers use the same safety precautions and personal protective equipment that they use on a daily basis. We also recommend that basic prevention and hygiene be used during throughout the year.
Can I work if H5N1 is found in the US?
Yes. If H5N1 is found in the US, you can feel safe going to work.
Can we pick up garbage if H5N1 is found in the US?
Yes. The role of waste management takes on an increased importance during a disease outbreak. If
garbage is not collected and properly disposed, other public health problems can be unintentionally
created.
Unless the garbage you are picking up is infectious (it would be dripping blood or fluids), you can
go about work normally. Attached to this information sheet is a chart with recommendations on
how to manage wastes that may have come in contact with H5N1.
Public Health would like the waste management industry to be on the look-out for anything unusual if H5N1 is found in the US. Specifically in urban areas where it is not common to see dead
animals in the household garbage.
What advice can you give me now?
Practice healthy habits everyday.
● Wear recommended personal protective equipment.
● Wash your hands often.
● Get a flu shot each year.
● Cover your cough
● Stay home when you are sick.
Saint Paul—Ramsey County Department of Public Health
651.266.1199 | www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph
Twin Cities Metro Advanced Practice Center
www.naccho.org/topics/demonstration/APC/MN.cfm