Avian flu and COVID-19 update
April 9, 2020
Avian flu and COVID-19 update
USDA confirms H7N3 avian influenza in county
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza in a commercial turkey flock in Chesterfield County. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States since 2017. It appears this HPAI strain mutated from a low pathogenic strain that has been found in poultry in that area recently.
No human cases of this H7N3 avian influenza virus have been detected, and there is no immediate public health concern. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 °F kills bacteria and viruses.
COVID-19 Update by zip code
The Department of Health and Environmental Control has just announced there are now 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chesterfield County. These are people who have tested positive for the virus and for whom DHEC has already received the test result.
DHEC’s estimated number of total cases in the county is 123, and the count could be as high as 144 residents who have the disease.
The count by zip code, showing positive, estimated and possible numbers, is posted below.
29101 2 10 12
29520 7 43 50
29550 1 7 8
29584 0 6 6
29593 0 2 2
29709 2 12 14
29718 1 6 7
29727 0 6 6
29728 4 25 29
29741 1 6 7
Unkn 3 0 3
More information will be posted to Breaking News as details become available. Read the full accounts in the April 15 issue of The Link.
