News
Protect your eyes as part of H5N1 plan
The National Farm Medicine Center says the H5N1 avian influenza virus is not a big threat to human health. Melissa Ploeckelman tells Brownfield when people contract the virus, it’s similar to other flu viruses. “You maybe have some respiratory symptoms. Maybe you get diarrhea, you feel tired, but it’s nothing life-threatening. Most farmers are going to work right through it.”
Ploeckelman says protecting ourselves from the H5N1 virus does not require wearing a mask. “Our eyes are the number one recepticle for getting this virus, so what we’re recommending of our farm workers is that they wear some type of safety glasses or goggles.”
Ploeckelman says the virus travels on the things people touch. “What’s getting into our eyes is the raw milk, the urine, and the feces, so if we can stop those from spashing our eyes, that’s how we can stop the spread.”
Ploeckelman says farm workers, veterinarians, milk haulers, salespeople, and others should use good biosecurity practices, including use of disposable or clean rubber boots and gloves to help prevent spreading any viruses.
Ploeckelman says it’s still a good idea to prevent the spread of the virus, because viruses tend to mutate.
I cannot believe you are telling people not to mask. That’s so irresponsible.