Avian Flu

What to Do If You Are Exposed to Avian Flu

What to Expect During Public Health Outreach

You may hear from NCDHHS or your local health department. We may contact you to:

• Check on your health
• Talk through next steps, including testing
• Help prevent the spread of avian flu

We may send text messages to share information about possible avian flu exposure. Messages will come from 1-984-400-0729.

Sample Text Message

“The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health (NCDHHS, DPH) is informing you of a possible exposure to bird flu. All people who have been exposed need to monitor for symptoms and may call 844-628-7223 with any questions or concerns. You may also receive a call from your local health department or NCDHHS, DPH. Symptoms of bird flu may include: red or watery eyes, fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, fatigue, sore muscles and more. For more information, please visit https://flu.ncdhhs.gov/HPAI/index.htm. Reply STOP to opt-out, HELP for help. Msg & data rates may apply.

La Division de Salud Pública (DPH, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) informa a los habitantes sobre una posible exposición a la gripe aviar. Todas las personas que hayan estado expuestas deben estar atentas a los síntomas y pueden llamar al 844-628-7223 si tienen alguna pregunta o inquietud. También podrían recibir una llamada de su departamento de salud local o de la División de Salud Pública del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte. Los síntomas de la gripe aviar pueden incluir: ojos rojos o llorosos, fiebre, tos, dificultad para respirar, secreción nasal, fatiga, dolor muscular y más. Para obtener más información, visita https://flu.ncdhhs.gov/HPAI/index-sp.htm. Responde "STOP" para cancelar y "HELP" para obtener ayuda. Pueden aplicarse cargos por mensajes y datos.”

Our agency will never call or text you to ask for a payment or request personal information such as passwords and bank account information.

What to know about public health outreach for communicable diseases

The NC Public Health Outreach Team or your local health department may also contact you. Please answer the call!

If you received outreach and have questions, or need support, please call the NC Public Health Outreach Team at 1-844-628-7223. You may also call your local health department.

Find your local health department here.

Know the Symptoms and When to Seek Care

It’s important to monitor any symptoms for 10 days after your last exposure to a sick or dead animal. Common symptoms include:

• Red or watery eyes
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Sore muscles

Having these symptoms does NOT always mean you have avian influenza. For more information, please click here.

We’re here if you need us.

To talk to someone on the phone, call your local health department or the NC Public Health Outreach Team at 1-844-628-7223.