The Arizona Department of Health Services is reporting two human cases of avian flu in the state.
Both of the people who got sick were exposed to infected poultry while working in Pinal County. They showed mild symptoms, were treated and have since recovered.
Former DHS director, Will Humble said it’s not too concerning since they did not catch the illness from another person.
“What would be alarming is if we started to see human-to-human transmission of the virus and that still has not happened," Humble said. "Although, they’ll be monitoring these two patients carefully, I’m sure.”
He said the two reported cases are not surprising, considering California has reported several cases among poultry and cattle workers. The virus can cause anything from mild upper respiratory symptoms to severe pneumonia and death.
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