#USA, One #human infection with #H1N2 #variant #influenza virus has been reported by #Iowa

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Novel Influenza A Virus Infections

One human infection with influenza A(H1N2) variant (A(H1N2)v) virus was reported by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

The patient is ≥18 years of age and sought health care during the week ending January 18, 2025 (Week 3), was hospitalized, and has recovered from their illness. 

An investigation by state public health officials did not identify direct or indirect swine contact by the patent. 

No illness was identified among the patient's close contacts. 

No human-to-human transmission has been identified associated with this case.

This is the first human infection with a variant influenza virus reported during the 2024-2025 season in the United States.

When an influenza virus that normally circulates in swine (but not people) is detected in a person, it is called a "variant" influenza virus. 

Most human infections with variant influenza viruses occur following exposure to swine, but human-to-human transmission can occur. 

It is important to note that in most cases, variant influenza viruses have not shown the ability to spread easily and sustainably from person to person. 

Additional information on influenza in swine, variant influenza virus infection in humans, and guidance to interact safely with swine can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/index.htm.

No new human infections with A(H5) were reported to CDC this week. An ongoing outbreak of H5N1 continues in domestic dairy cows and poultry, and monitoring for additional human cases is ongoing.

The CSTE position statement, which includes updated case definitions for confirmed, probable, and suspected cases is available at http://www.cste.org/resource/resmgr/position_statements_files_2023/24-ID-09_Novel_Influenza_A.pdf

An up-to-date human A(H5) case summary during the outbreak by state and exposure source is available at www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

Information about avian influenza is available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm.

Interim recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations are available at https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html.

The latest case reports on avian influenza outbreaks in wild birds, commercial poultry, backyard or hobbyist flocks, and mammals in the United States are available from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai.

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Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-05.html

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#USA, Novel #Influenza A #H5N1 Virus: Five New Cases reported in Week 51/2024 {3 in #California, 1 in #Wisconsin, 1 in #Iowa}

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-- Five confirmed cases of influenza A(H5) were reported to CDC this week. 

-- To date, human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) virus has not been identified in the United States.

Three of these cases were reported by the California Department of Public Health. The cases occurred in workers aged ≥18 years at commercial dairy cattle farms in an area where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses had been detected in cows. The individuals had mild symptoms, which they reported to local health department officials. There have now been 37 total confirmed cases and one probable case in California during the 2024-2025 influenza season.

One case was reported by the Wisconsin Department of Health. This case occurred in an individual aged ≥18 years who worked at a poultry facility where HPAI A(H5N1) virus had been identified in birds. This individual developed respiratory symptoms during Week 50. Specimens were collected from the individual and initially tested at the state public health laboratories using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay before being sent to CDC for further testing. Influenza A(H5) virus was confirmed at CDC. This is the first influenza A(H5) case in Wisconsin.

One case was reported by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. This case occurred in an individual aged ≥18 years who worked at a poultry facility where HPAI A(H5N1) virus had been identified in birds. This individual developed conjunctivitis and respiratory symptoms during Week 50. Specimens were collected from the individual and initially tested at the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay before being sent to CDC for further testing. Influenza A(H5) virus was confirmed at CDC. This is the first influenza A(H5) case in Iowa.

Notification to WHO of the cases reported by the Wisconsin and Iowa departments of health was initiated per International Health Regulations (IHR). More information regarding IHR can be found at http://www.who.int/topics/international_health_regulations/en/. 

No additional notification to WHO of the cases exposed to dairy cows in California is required per International Health Regulations (IHR).

The CSTE position statement, which includes updated case definitions for confirmed, probable, and suspected cases is available at http://www.cste.org/resource/resmgr/position_statements_files_2023/24-ID-09_Novel_Influenza_A.pdf

An up-to-date human case summary during the 2024 outbreak by state and exposure source is available at www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

Information about avian influenza is available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm.

Interim recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations are available at https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html.

The latest case reports on avian influenza outbreaks in wild birds, commercial poultry, backyard or hobbyist flocks, and mammals in the United States are available from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai.

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Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2024-week-51.html

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#USA, Confirmed #H5N1 avian #flu virus #human case summary during 2024 #outbreak, by state & exposure source {as of Dec. 23: +1 case, total = 65}

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Exposure Source

[State - Exposure Associated with Commercial Agriculture and Related Operations: Dairy Herds (Cattle) Poultry Farms and Culling Operations - Other Animal Exposure† - Exposure Source Unknown‡ - State Total]

1) California - 35 - 0 - 0 - 1 - 36

2) Colorado - 1 - 9 - 0 - 0 - 10

3) Iowa - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 1 {+1}

4) Louisiana - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 1

5) Michigan - 2 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 2

6) Missouri - 0 - 0 - 0 - 1 - 1

7) Oregon - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 1

8) Texas - 1 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 1

9) Washington - 0 - 11 - 0 - 0 - 11

10) Wisconsin - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 1

-- Source Total - 39 - 23 - 1 - 2 - 65 {+1}

NOTE: One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022.

{†} Exposure was related to other animals such as backyard flocks, wild birds, or other mammals

{‡} Exposure source was not able to be identified

Probable human case summary during the 2024 outbreak, by state and exposure source

When a case tests positive for H5 at a public health laboratory but testing at CDC is not able to confirm H5 infection, per Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) guidance, a case is reported as probable.

[Probable cases with commercial poultry exposure (e.g., poultry farms or culling operations):]

-- Washington (3)

-- Arizona (2)

[Probable cases with commercial dairy (cattle) exposure:]

-- California (1)

[Probable cases with exposure source unknown:]

-- Delaware (1)

Confirmed and probable cases are typically updated by 5 PM EST on Mondays (for cases confirmed by CDC on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday), Wednesdays (for cases confirmed by CDC on Monday or Tuesday), and Fridays (for cases confirmed by CDC on Wednesday and Thursday). Affected states may report cases more frequently.

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Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm

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#USA, #Iowa HHS Reports First #Human Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza (#H5N1), #Risk Remains Very Low to Public

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is reporting the first human case of avian influenza A(H5) in the state. 

The individual was exposed to infected poultry while working with a commercial flock in northwest Iowa. 

The individual reported mild symptoms, has received appropriate treatment and is recovering. 

The case was identified through testing at the State Hygienic Laboratory and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of December 20, 2024, the CDC has reported 64 confirmed human cases of H5 HPAI across nine states. The majority of the exposures are linked to infected poultry or dairy cows. 

There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) is occurring in the U.S.

Although human infections are rare{!}, the virus is spread through prolonged exposure around infected flocks and herds, through the eyes, nose or mouth. Any individuals with direct contact who develop flu-like symptoms or an eye infection should contact their doctor. To reduce the risk of infection or spread, people in direct contact with exposed animals should wear proper PPE and avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals, including birds. 

“Iowa has monitored the spread of avian influenza closely since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is prepared with the established knowledge, strong partnerships, and effective tools to mitigate its impact on our community,” said Iowa HHS State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse.

There is no concern {!!} about the safety of eggs and poultry products or pasteurized milk and dairy products. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk.

Source: Department of Health, https://hhs.iowa.gov/news-release/2024-12-20/iowa-hhs-reports-first-human-case-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-iowa-risk-remains-very-low

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