The first human case of bird flu in Ohio was reported in a farm worker from Mercer County. There have been 68 human cases of bird flu in 11 states since January 1, 2024, including one death in Louisiana. The overall risk of contracting bird flu remains low, but those in close contact with infected poultry should take precautions.

A Mercer County farm worker came into contact with dead poultry that was infected with the disease, the state's health department reports.

Ohio reports its first probable human case of bird flu in a male from Mercer County exposed at a poultry farm.