Bird Flu Confirmed in Edmunds and Hamlin County Poultry Flocks; South Dakota Health Officials Issue H5N1 Advisory
Northeast Radio SD News – Hamlin County, SD - The South Dakota Department of Health (SD‑DOH) has issued a statewide advisory after highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) was confirmed in poultry flocks in Edmunds and Hamlin Counties. Medical providers are being asked to closely monitor patients for flu‑like illness if they have had recent exposure to infected birds or other animals.
According to the SD‑DOH alert, individuals who develop fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or conjunctivitis within 10 days of contact with sick or dead poultry should be evaluated for possible influenza A infection. Providers are encouraged to ask specifically about animal exposure when assessing respiratory symptoms.
Per federal guidance from CDC HAN 506, clinicians should:
• Isolate symptomatic patients and follow full infection‑control precautions, including PPE.
• Begin antiviral treatment immediately, without waiting for lab results.
• Notify SD‑DOH to arrange influenza A subtyping through the South Dakota Public Health Laboratory.
• Collect both nasopharyngeal and conjunctival swabs when conjunctivitis is present.
• Advise patients to isolate at home and avoid work or school until test results determine next steps.
State health officials say consultation is available by calling 800‑592‑1861.
Additional information and guidance for clinicians and producers is available through SD‑DOH, CDC, and USDA resources, including updates on avian influenza detections and testing procedures.
