Quick card on symptoms in humans as well as precautions lab workers should follow and key considerations. Avian Flu Laboratory Employees Avian flu is a viral disease and it can be very contagious and even deadly in poultry (e.g., chickens). Of great concern are the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses that have killed millions of birds and infected humans in other countries. If these viruses are found in the U.S., take appropriate precautions. Avian Flu Symptoms in Humans Range from fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches; to diarrhea, eye infections, pneumonia and severe respiratory diseases. The symptoms of avian influenza may depend […]