And How We’re Working to Keep Our Community Informed
In December 2024, the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) confirmed a case of avian influenza (bird flu) in a bird found in Texas City. Avian flu is a virus that primarily spreads among birds but can sometimes infect humans and other animals. Current evidence shows that human cases are rare and usually linked to direct contact with infected birds or animals.
As public health experts, we know that getting timely, accurate information into the community is critical—especially when new cases are identified.
On February 25, 2025, GCHD brought together local partners to discuss avian flu response. This meeting focused on how to best protect our community members, particularly those who might be more vulnerable, such as individuals who work with birds, families with backyard poultry, and outdoor enthusiasts.
GCHD convened experts from a variety of fields, including epidemiology, infectious diseases, biostatistics, and animal control, to address how best to track and respond to avian flu cases. One of the key action items identified in that meeting was the need for clear public communication and education — including the basics of avian flu, symptoms to watch for, when and why testing may be needed, available treatment options, and the recommended 10-day isolation period for individuals who may have been exposed.
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The infographic we are sharing today was created as a direct result of that meeting. It is a collaborative effort between UTMB's School of Public and Population Health (SPPH) and Galveston County Health District. As public health educators, we've designed this resource to address the questions and concerns we've heard directly from community members during our outreach work, making complex health information accessible to everyone.
At SPPH, we are committed to supporting local health authorities like GCHD in efforts that benefit the Galveston community. We're your neighbors, and we care deeply about the wellbeing of everyone who calls Galveston County home.
We encourage anyone who lives or works in Galveston County to review and share this infographic. Working together, we can ensure our community has access to information that helps protect health and prevent the spread of illness.
For additional information about avian flu, visit https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/.