The first probable human case of Bird Flu was reported by the Ohio Department of Health Wednesday.
A man who works at a Mercer County farm was in contact with dead commercial poultry and was infected by the virus, the department said.
"The news is always concerning, but really it's a low risk to the average Ohioan at this point in time," Summit County Medical Director Dr. Erica Sobolewski said.
If you spot a sick or dead bird, call the health department for education on what to do.
"We do recommend that people don't touch the dead birds with their hands and should protect themselves with a mask, ideally an N-95, or some other type of tight-fitting mask, wearing gloves and protecting themselves by double bagging any bird," Sobolewski said.
The health department has been monitoring bird flu for decades and is currently monitoring milk supply and poultry flocks.
As of now, there has been no human-to-human transfer in Ohio.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current risk of bird flu for the general public is low. However, people with close, prolonged and unprotected contact with infected birds are at a higher risk.
There have been 68 human cases in 11 states since the beginning of last year and one death.
