#Avian #flu #risk still ‘low’ after first #US #patient dies from #H5N1 virus: #WHO

7 January 2025 

A day after the United States reported its first human death from avian flu, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) insisted on Tuesday that the risk to the wider population remains “low”. 

WHO spokesperson Dr. Margaret Harris told reporters in Geneva that the H5N1 virus causing the disease is “not circulating in humans but jumping into humans” who are exposed to poultry or dairy cattle. “We’re not seeing sustained circulation,” she insisted.

Underlying conditions

The man who died of the disease in Louisiana was over 65 and reportedly had underlying medical conditions, Dr. Harris said. 

According to the health authorities, he had been exposed to chickens and wild birds. Several dozen people in the US have contracted avian influenza – commonly referred to as bird flu – during the current outbreak, mainly farmworkers in close contact with poultry flocks and cattle herds.

Dr. Harris stressed that WHO’s assessment of the risk to the general population “is still low and remains set”. The main concern is for people who work in animal industries because they need to be better protected from infection.

The WHO spokesperson added that the United States was continuing to carry out “a lot of surveillance” in the human and animal population, “in the methods we use for farming, for our food production…all those things need to be combined because indeed it always does pose a risk”.

China respiratory virus is not new

Meanwhile, a respiratory virus gaining ground in China, known as the human metapneumovirus, or hMPV, has been sparking media attention in recent weeks, but it does not represent a new or major threat, Dr. Harris insisted.

The UN health agency spokesperson said that such infections are on the rise in China “as expected during winter”, with seasonal influenza being “by far the most common among them”, as reported by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

“China’s reported levels of respiratory infections are within the usual range for the winter season,” Dr. Harris explained. “Authorities report that hospital utilization is currently lower than this time last year, and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered,” she added.

As for hMPV, it was first identified in 2001 and “has been in the human population for a long time”, Dr. Harris clarified. 

‘Very, very low’ risk

She added that it is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring and usually “causes respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold”. 

Like any of the hundreds of common cold viruses known to exist, it can lead to more serious disease in patients with low immunity, particularly but not limited to newborns and the elderly.

Asked about hMPV’s mortality rate, Dr. Harris described it as “very, very low”. It is not a pathogen that normally leads to deaths in humans, save for the most vulnerable, she concluded, recommending “simple” prevention measures, such as wearing a mask, improving ventilation of closed spaces and handwashing.

Source: United Nations, https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/01/1158776

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First #H5N1 #Birdflu #Death Reported in #USA

January 6, 2025 -- CDC is saddened by Louisiana's report that a person previously hospitalized with severe avian influenza A(H5N1) illness ("H5N1 bird flu") has passed away. 

While tragic, a death from H5N1 bird flu in the United States is not unexpected because of the known potential for infection with these viruses to cause severe illness and death. 

As of January 6, 2025, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the United States since 2024 and 67 since 2022. 

This is the first person in the United States who has died as a result of an H5 infection. 

Outside the United States, more than 950 cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported to the World Health Organization; about half of those have resulted in death.

CDC has carefully studied the available information about the person who died in Louisiana and continues to assess that the risk to the general public remains low. 

Most importantly, no person-to-person transmission spread has been identified. 

As with the case in Louisiana, most H5 bird flu infections are related to animal-to-human exposures. 

Additionally, there are no concerning virologic changes actively spreading in wild birds, poultry, or cows that would raise the risk to human health. (CDC reported previously on its analysis of the viruses isolated from the patient in Louisiana.) 

However, people with job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds or other animals are at greater risk of infection. For these and others, CDC has developed prevention resources about how to protect yourself.

CDC is continually:

-- Supporting critical epidemiologic investigations with state and local partners to assess the public health impact of each H5 case.

-- Working closely with state and local partners to conduct active surveillance for H5 cases.

-- Monitoring for changes that might suggest H5 viruses are becoming better adapted to mammals and therefore might spread more easily from animals-to-humans or human-to-human or cause more severe disease.

-- Monitoring for any viral changes that could make these viruses less responsive to flu antiviral medications or the available candidate vaccine viruses.

-- Additional information about H5 bird flu is available on the CDC website.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/m0106-h5-birdflu-death.html

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#USA, #Louisiana Department of Health reports first U.S. #H5N1-related #human #death

{Edited}

January 06, 2025

The Louisiana Department of Health reports the patient who had been hospitalized with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana and the U.S. has died. 

The patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions. 

The patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. 

LDH’s extensive public health investigation has identified no additional H5N1 cases nor evidence of person-to-person transmission. This patient remains the only human case of H5N1 in Louisiana. 

The Department expresses its deepest condolences to the patient’s family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Due to patient confidentiality and respect for the family, this will be the final update about the patient. 

While the current public health risk for the general public remains low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.

The best way to protect yourself and your family from H5N1 is to avoid sources of exposure. That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with bird flu viruses. 

Protecting yourself and others from H5N1 infection

-- Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings and do not bring sick wild animals into your home.

-- Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.

-- Do not eat uncooked or undercooked food. Cook poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature and prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked food.

-- Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses from animals that have a suspected or confirmed infection.

-- If you work on poultry or dairy farms, talk to your provider about getting your seasonal flu vaccination. It will not prevent infection with avian influenza viruses, but it can reduce the risk of coinfection with avian and flu viruses.

-- Report dead or sick birds or animals to the USDA toll-free at 1-866-536-7593 or the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Diagnostic Lab at 318-927-3441.

-- If you have been exposed to sick or dead birds or other animals or work on a farm where avian influenza has been detected, watch for respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis. If you develop symptoms within 10 days after exposure to sick or dead animals, tell your healthcare provider that you have been in contact with sick animals and are concerned about avian influenza. This will help them give you appropriate advice on testing and treatment. Stay home and away from others while you have symptoms.

Source: Department of Health, https://ldh.la.gov/news/H5N1-death

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#USA reports its first #human fatal case of #H5N1 #birdflu virus

 {Excerpt, edited, original article in Bahasan}

KOMPAS.com - The United States recorded its first death from bird flu ( H5N1 ), as recorded by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Monday (6/1/2025) local time. Quoted from the Washington Post , Tuesday (7/1/2025), this case occurred in Louisiana, involving a patient over 65 years old who had comorbidities.

(...)

Source: Kompas, https://health.kompas.com/read/25A07073728468/as-laporkan-kasus-kematian-pertama-flu-burung-pada-manusia#

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#USA, #Genetic #Sequences of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza A(#H5N1) Viruses Identified in a Person in #Louisiana

Genetic Sequences of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses Identified in a Person in Louisiana

What to know

-- CDC has sequenced the influenza viruses in specimens collected from the patient in Louisiana who was infected with, and became severely ill from HPAI A(H5N1) virus. 

-- The genomic sequences were compared to other HPAI A(H5N1) sequences from dairy cows, wild birds and poultry, as well as previous human cases and were identified as the D1.1 genotype. 

-- The analysis identified low frequency mutations in the hemagglutinin gene of a sample sequenced from the patient, which were not found in virus sequences from poultry samples collected on the patient’s property, suggesting the changes emerged in the patient after infection.

Background

This is a technical summary of an analysis of the genomic sequences of the viruses identified in two upper respiratory tract specimens from the patient who was severely ill from an infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus in Louisiana. 

The patient was infected with A(H5N1) virus of the D1.1 genotype virus that is closely related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States and in recent human cases in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State. 

This avian influenza A(H5N1) virus genotype is different from the B3.13 genotype spreading widely and causing outbreaks in dairy cows, poultry, and other animals, with sporadic human cases in the United States. 

Deep sequencing of the genetic sequences from two clinical specimens from the patient in Louisiana was performed to look for changes associated with adaptation to mammals. 

There were some low frequency changes in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene segment of one of the specimens that are rare in people but have been reported in previous cases of A(H5N1) in other countries and most often during severe infections. 

One of the changes found was also identified in a specimen collected from the human case with severe illness detected in British Columbia, Canada, suggesting they emerged during the clinical course as the virus replicated in the patient. 

Analysis of the N1 neuraminidase (NA), matrix (M) and polymerase acid (PA) genes from the specimens showed no changes associated with known or suspected markers of reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs.

CDC Update

December 26, 2024 – CDC has sequenced the HPAI A(H5N1) avian influenza viruses in two respiratory specimens collected from the patient in Louisiana who was severely ill from an A(H5N1) virus infection. 

CDC received two specimens collected at the same time from the patient while they were hospitalized for severe respiratory illness: a nasopharyngeal (NP) and combined NP/oropharyngeal (OP) swab specimens. 

Initial attempts to sequence the virus from the patient's clinical respiratory specimens using standard RNA extraction and multisegment-RTPCR (M-RTPCR)1 techniques yielded only partial genomic data and virus isolation was not successful. 

Nucleic acid enrichment was needed to sequence complete genomes with sufficient coverage depth to meet quality thresholds. 

CDC compared the influenza gene segments from each specimen with A(H5N1) virus sequences from dairy cows, wild birds, poultry and other human cases in the U.S. and Canada. 

The genomes of the virus (A/Louisiana/12/2024) from each clinical specimen are publicly posted in GISAID (EPI_ISL_19634827 and EPI_ISL_19634828) and GenBank (PQ809549-PQ809564).

Summary of amino acid mixtures identified in the hemagglutinin (HA) of clinical specimens from the patient.

Overall, the hemagglutinin (HA) sequences from the two clinical specimens were closely related to HA sequences detected in other D1.1 genotype viruses, including viruses sequenced from samples collected in November and December 2024 in wild birds and poultry in Louisiana. 

The HA genes of these viruses also were closely related to the A/Ezo red fox/Hokkaido/1/2022 candidate vaccine virus (CVV) with 2 or 3 amino acid changes detected. 

These viruses have, on average, 3 or 4 amino acid changes in the HA when compared directly to the A/Astrakhan/3212/2020 CVV sequence. 

These data indicate the viruses detected in respiratory specimens from this patient are closely related to existing HPAI A(H5N1) CVVs that are already available to manufacturers, and which could be used to make vaccines if needed.

There were some differences detected between the NP/OP and the NP specimens. Despite the very close similarity of the D1.1 sequences from the Louisiana human case to bird viruses, deep sequence analysis of the HA gene segment from the combined NP/OP sample detected low frequency mixed nucleotides corresponding to notable amino acid residues (using mature HA sequence numbering):

 -- A134A/V [Alanine 88%, Valine 12%];

 -- N182N/K [Asparagine 65%, Lysine 35%]; and

 -- E186E/D [Glutamic acid 92%, Aspartic Acid 8%].

The NP specimen, notably, did not have these low frequency changes indicating they may have been detected from swabbing the oropharyngeal cavity of the patient. 

While these low frequency changes are rare in humans, they have been reported in previous cases of A(H5N1) in other countries and most often during severe disease2345. 

The E186E/D mixture, for example, was also identified in a specimen collected from the severe human case detected in British Columbia, Canada67.

This summary analysis focuses on mixed nucleotide detections at residues A134V, N182K, E186D as these changes may result in increased virus binding to α2-6 cell receptors found in the upper respiratory tract of humans. 

It is important to note that these changes represent a small proportion of the total virus population identified in the sample analyzed (i.e., the virus still maintains a majority of 'avian' amino acids at the residues associated with receptor binding). 

The changes observed were likely generated by replication of this virus in the patient with advanced disease rather than primarily transmitted at the time of infection. 

Comparison of influenza A(H5) sequence data from viruses identified in wild birds and poultry in Louisiana, including poultry identified on the property of the patient, and other regions of the United States did not identify these changes. 

Of note, virus sequences from poultry sampled on the patient's property were nearly identical to the virus sequences from the patient but did not have the mixed nucleotides identified in the patient's clinical sample, strongly suggesting that the changes emerged during infection as virus replicated in the patient. 

Although concerning, and a reminder that A(H5N1) viruses can develop changes during the clinical course of a human infection, these changes would be more concerning if found in animal hosts or in early stages of infection (e.g., within a few days of symptom onset) when these changes might be more likely to facilitate spread to close contacts. 

Notably, in this case, no transmission from the patient in Louisiana to other persons has been identified. 

The Louisiana Department of Public Health and CDC are collaborating to generate additional sequence data from sequential patient specimens to facilitate further genetic and virologic analysis.

Additional genomic analysis

The genetic sequences of the A(H5N1) viruses from the patient in Louisiana did not have the PB2 E627K change or other changes in polymerase genes associated with adaptation to mammals and no evidence of low frequency changes at critical positions. 

And, like other D1.1 genotype viruses found in birds, the sequences lack PB2 M631L, which is associated with viral adaptation to mammalian hosts, and which has been detected in >99% of dairy cow sequences but is only sporadically found in birds. 

Analysis of the N1 neuraminidase (NA), matrix (M) and polymerase acid (PA) genes from the specimens showed no changes associated with known or suspected markers of reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs. 

The remainder of the genetic sequences of A/Louisiana/12/2024 were closely related to sequences detected in wild bird and poultry D1.1 genotype viruses, including poultry identified on the property of the patient, providing further evidence that the human case was most likely infected following exposure to birds infected with D1.1 genotype virus.

Follow Up Actions

Overall, CDC considers the risk to the general public associated with the ongoing U.S. HPAI A(H5N1) outbreak has not changed and remains low. The detection of a severe human case with genetic changes in a clinical specimen underscores the importance of ongoing genomic surveillance in people and animals, containment of avian influenza A(H5) outbreaks in dairy cattle and poultry, and prevention measures among people with exposure to infected animals or environments.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-12232024.html

_____

#Genetic #Sequences of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza A(#H5N1) Viruses Identified in a Person in #Louisiana

What to know

-- CDC has sequenced the influenza viruses in specimens collected from the patient in Louisiana who was infected with, and became severely ill from HPAI A(H5N1) virus. 

-- The genomic sequences were compared to other HPAI A(H5N1) sequences from dairy cows, wild birds and poultry, as well as previous human cases and were identified as the D1.1 genotype. 

-- The analysis identified low frequency mutations in the hemagglutinin gene of a sample sequenced from the patient, which were not found in virus sequences from poultry samples collected on the patient’s property, suggesting the changes emerged in the patient after infection.

Background

This is a technical summary of an analysis of the genomic sequences of the viruses identified in two upper respiratory tract specimens from the patient who was severely ill from an infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus in Louisiana. 

The patient was infected with A(H5N1) virus of the D1.1 genotype virus that is closely related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States and in recent human cases in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State. 

This avian influenza A(H5N1) virus genotype is different from the B3.13 genotype spreading widely and causing outbreaks in dairy cows, poultry, and other animals, with sporadic human cases in the United States. 

Deep sequencing of the genetic sequences from two clinical specimens from the patient in Louisiana was performed to look for changes associated with adaptation to mammals. 

There were some low frequency changes in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene segment of one of the specimens that are rare in people but have been reported in previous cases of A(H5N1) in other countries and most often during severe infections. 

One of the changes found was also identified in a specimen collected from the human case with severe illness detected in British Columbia, Canada, suggesting they emerged during the clinical course as the virus replicated in the patient. 

Analysis of the N1 neuraminidase (NA), matrix (M) and polymerase acid (PA) genes from the specimens showed no changes associated with known or suspected markers of reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs.

CDC Update

December 26, 2024 – CDC has sequenced the HPAI A(H5N1) avian influenza viruses in two respiratory specimens collected from the patient in Louisiana who was severely ill from an A(H5N1) virus infection. 

CDC received two specimens collected at the same time from the patient while they were hospitalized for severe respiratory illness: a nasopharyngeal (NP) and combined NP/oropharyngeal (OP) swab specimens. 

Initial attempts to sequence the virus from the patient's clinical respiratory specimens using standard RNA extraction and multisegment-RTPCR (M-RTPCR)1 techniques yielded only partial genomic data and virus isolation was not successful. 

Nucleic acid enrichment was needed to sequence complete genomes with sufficient coverage depth to meet quality thresholds. 

CDC compared the influenza gene segments from each specimen with A(H5N1) virus sequences from dairy cows, wild birds, poultry and other human cases in the U.S. and Canada. 

The genomes of the virus (A/Louisiana/12/2024) from each clinical specimen are publicly posted in GISAID (EPI_ISL_19634827 and EPI_ISL_19634828) and GenBank (PQ809549-PQ809564).

Summary of amino acid mixtures identified in the hemagglutinin (HA) of clinical specimens from the patient.

Overall, the hemagglutinin (HA) sequences from the two clinical specimens were closely related to HA sequences detected in other D1.1 genotype viruses, including viruses sequenced from samples collected in November and December 2024 in wild birds and poultry in Louisiana. 

The HA genes of these viruses also were closely related to the A/Ezo red fox/Hokkaido/1/2022 candidate vaccine virus (CVV) with 2 or 3 amino acid changes detected. 

These viruses have, on average, 3 or 4 amino acid changes in the HA when compared directly to the A/Astrakhan/3212/2020 CVV sequence. 

These data indicate the viruses detected in respiratory specimens from this patient are closely related to existing HPAI A(H5N1) CVVs that are already available to manufacturers, and which could be used to make vaccines if needed.

There were some differences detected between the NP/OP and the NP specimens. 

Despite the very close similarity of the D1.1 sequences from the Louisiana human case to bird viruses, deep sequence analysis of the HA gene segment from the combined NP/OP sample detected low frequency mixed nucleotides corresponding to notable amino acid residues (using mature HA sequence numbering):

-- A134A/V [Alanine 88%, Valine 12%];

- N182N/K [Asparagine 65%, Lysine 35%]; and

- E186E/D [Glutamic acid 92%, Aspartic Acid 8%].

The NP specimen, notably, did not have these low frequency changes indicating they may have been detected from swabbing the oropharyngeal cavity of the patient. 

While these low frequency changes are rare in humans, they have been reported in previous cases of A(H5N1) in other countries and most often during severe disease2345. 

The E186E/D mixture, for example, was also identified in a specimen collected from the severe human case detected in British Columbia, Canada67.

This summary analysis focuses on mixed nucleotide detections at residues A134V, N182K, E186D as these changes may result in increased virus binding to α2-6 cell receptors found in the upper respiratory tract of humans. 

It is important to note that these changes represent a small proportion of the total virus population identified in the sample analyzed (i.e., the virus still maintains a majority of 'avian' amino acids at the residues associated with receptor binding). 

The changes observed were likely generated by replication of this virus in the patient with advanced disease rather than primarily transmitted at the time of infection. 

Comparison of influenza A(H5) sequence data from viruses identified in wild birds and poultry in Louisiana, including poultry identified on the property of the patient, and other regions of the United States did not identify these changes. 

Of note, virus sequences from poultry sampled on the patient's property were nearly identical to the virus sequences from the patient but did not have the mixed nucleotides identified in the patient's clinical sample, strongly suggesting that the changes emerged during infection as virus replicated in the patient. 

Although concerning, and a reminder that A(H5N1) viruses can develop changes during the clinical course of a human infection, these changes would be more concerning if found in animal hosts or in early stages of infection (e.g., within a few days of symptom onset) when these changes might be more likely to facilitate spread to close contacts. 

Notably, in this case, no transmission from the patient in Louisiana to other persons has been identified. 

The Louisiana Department of Public Health and CDC are collaborating to generate additional sequence data from sequential patient specimens to facilitate further genetic and virologic analysis.

Additional genomic analysis

The genetic sequences of the A(H5N1) viruses from the patient in Louisiana did not have the PB2 E627K change or other changes in polymerase genes associated with adaptation to mammals and no evidence of low frequency changes at critical positions. 

And, like other D1.1 genotype viruses found in birds, the sequences lack PB2 M631L, which is associated with viral adaptation to mammalian hosts, and which has been detected in >99% of dairy cow sequences but is only sporadically found in birds. 

Analysis of the N1 neuraminidase (NA), matrix (M) and polymerase acid (PA) genes from the specimens showed no changes associated with known or suspected markers of reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs. 

The remainder of the genetic sequences of A/Louisiana/12/2024 were closely related to sequences detected in wild bird and poultry D1.1 genotype viruses, including poultry identified on the property of the patient, providing further evidence that the human case was most likely infected following exposure to birds infected with D1.1 genotype virus.

Follow Up Actions

Overall, CDC considers the risk to the general public associated with the ongoing U.S. HPAI A(H5N1) outbreak has not changed and remains low. 

The detection of a severe human case with genetic changes in a clinical specimen underscores the importance of ongoing genomic surveillance in people and animals, containment of avian influenza A(H5) outbreaks in dairy cattle and poultry, and prevention measures among people with exposure to infected animals or environments.

(...)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-12232024.html

______

#USA, Novel Influenza A #H5N1 Virus, four new cases detected in week 50/2024 {2 in #California, 1 in #Louisiana, 1 in #Delaware} (US #CDC FluView)

{Excerpt}

Three confirmed cases and one probable influenza A(H5) case 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.

Two of these confirmed cases were reported by the California Department of Public Health. The cases occurred in a workers aged ≥18 years at a commercial dairy cattle farm 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 34 total confirmed cases and one probable case in California.

The other confirmed case was reported by the Louisiana Department of Health. This case occurred in an individual aged ≥18 years. This individual developed respiratory symptoms during week 48 and was hospitalized with their illness. A respiratory specimen was collected at the healthcare facility and tested positive for influenza A, but negative for seasonal virus subtypes. The specimen was sent to the Louisiana Public Health Laboratory for further testing, where it tested presumptive positive for influenza A(H5) virus using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay. Influenza A(H5) virus was confirmed at CDC. The investigation by public health officials identified exposure to backyard poultry prior to the patient's illness onset. The patient remains hospitalized. This is the first influenza A(H5) case in Louisiana and the first instance of severe illness from influenza A(H5) virus infection in the United States.

The probable case was reported by the Delaware Division of Public Health. The case occurred in an individual aged ≥18 years. This individual developed respiratory symptoms during week 48 and sought healthcare for their illness. A respiratory specimen was collected at the healthcare facility and tested positive for influenza A. The specimen was sent to the Delaware Public Health Laboratory for routine surveillance, where it tested presumptive positive for influenza A(H5) virus using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay. The specimen was negative for influenza A(H5) virus using diagnostic RT-PCR at CDC. The investigation by public health officials did not find any exposure to poultry or cows or consumption of raw dairy products prior to the patient's illness onset. The patient has since recovered. This is the first probable case in Delaware.

Notification of the case reported by the Louisiana Department of Health to WHO 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 probable case or confirmed 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.

(...)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2024-week-50.html

_____

#USA confirms its first severe case of #H5N1 #flu - #California declares state of #emergency - #UN agencies warn: This epidemic "is increasingly crossing species barriers"

According to CCTV News, on December 18 local time, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California to deal with the increasingly serious avian influenza epidemic.

Although there have been no cases of human-to-human transmission in California, 61 people have been infected with avian influenza in the United States, 34 of which are from California. Newsom emphasized that although the risk is low, the government will continue to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus and open funds to support the emergency response of relevant agencies.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement on the 18th saying that the United States reported the first severe case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus . The patient was hospitalized and his infection may be related to contact with sick and dead poultry raised in private backyard farms.

The CDC said in a statement that the patient was from Louisiana, and was diagnosed with the H5N1 avian influenza virus on the 13th. The investigation into the source of infection is still ongoing, but it can be confirmed that the patient had contact with sick and dead poultry raised in a private backyard farm. This is also the first case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus in the United States related to a private backyard farm.

Preliminary genetic analysis results show that the avian influenza virus that infected the patient belongs to the D1.1 type. The CDC is conducting further genome sequencing on the virus samples.

According to the data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since April this year, a total of 61 cases of human infection with the H5 avian influenza virus have been reported in the United States. The agency said that it is not surprising that some people have been seriously ill with the H5N1 avian influenza. Previously, other countries have reported cases of severe illness or death from human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza. So far, no human-to-human transmission of the H5 avian influenza virus has been found. The direct risk to public health posed by the H5N1 avian influenza is still low.

The CDC reminds the public to avoid contact with sick or dead animals, especially wild birds and poultry, as much as possible. Individuals who have direct or close contact with wild birds or sick, dead poultry and other animals need to wear protective equipment.

According to a report by Xinhua News Agency on November 7, a new study conducted by researchers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other institutions showed that the actual number of US dairy farm workers infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus may far exceed official statistics. The relevant research report was published in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Journal.

From June to August 2024, researchers collected and tested blood samples from workers on dairy farms in Michigan and Colorado, where outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza had occurred. They found that 8 of the 115 workers tested had recently been infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, with an infection rate of 7%.

Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in the United States, said that thousands of dairy workers may have been exposed to infected dairy cows, and the new study shows that many cases have been missed. She believes that it is likely that most or all states with H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks have human cases.

Since March this year, the H5N1 avian influenza virus has continued to spread in the United States. According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the H5N1 avian influenza virus has been detected in more than 440 dairy cow herds in 15 states in the United States.

In response to the latest findings, the CDC is expanding testing of affected dairy farm workers. The agency is also recommending that workers who have had high-risk contact with infected animals take antiviral drugs.

According to Cankaoxiaoxi.com, Reuters reported on October 31 that bird flu has spread rapidly among poultry in many EU countries this season, raising concerns about a repeat of the crisis. Previous bird flu outbreaks have killed tens of millions of poultry in many EU countries, and people are also worried that bird flu could be transmitted to humans.

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced on December 17 that cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza were confirmed in two breeding farms in Norfolk. The animal health department decided to kill the poultry in the farms and designate protection and monitoring areas.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health and other organizations warned at a briefing at the United Nations Office in Geneva on the 17th that the avian influenza epidemic sweeping the world "is increasingly crossing species barriers . "

Gregorio Torres, director of the Scientific Department of the World Organization for Animal Health, said that since October 2021, the avian influenza epidemic has killed more than 300 million poultry worldwide. The virus is increasingly crossing species barriers, infecting poultry and wild mammals, causing serious impacts on the ecosystem.

FAO official Madhur Dingra also pointed out that the impact of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has spread to wild animals, infecting more than 500 species of birds and more than 70 species of mammals, including endangered animals such as polar bears.

Source: SINA, https://news.sina.com.cn/w/2024-12-19/doc-inczynpw0156337.shtml

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#USA, #CDC Confirms First Severe Case of #H5N1 #Birdflu in the United States

December 18, 2024-- A patient has been hospitalized with a severe case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus ("H5N1 bird flu") infection in Louisiana. 

This marks the first instance of severe illness linked to the virus in the United States. The case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, December 13. 

Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States.

Partial viral genome data of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that infected the patient in Louisiana indicates that the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States and in recent human cases in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state. This H5N1 bird flu genotype is different than the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, sporadic human cases in multiple states, and some poultry outbreaks in the United States. Additional genomic sequencing and efforts to isolate virus from clinical specimens from the patient in Louisiana are underway at CDC.

While an investigation into the source of the infection in Louisiana is ongoing, it has been determined that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. This is the first case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock. A sporadic case of severe H5N1 bird flu illness in a person is not unexpected; avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection has previously been associated with severe human illness in other countries during 2024 and prior years, including illness resulting in death. No person-to-person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected. This case does not change CDC's overall assessment of the immediate risk to the public's health from H5N1 bird flu, which remains low.

This case underscores that, in addition to affected commercial poultry and dairy operations, wild birds and backyard flocks also can be a source of exposure. People with work or recreational exposures to infected animals are at higher risk of infection and should follow CDC's recommended precautions when around animals that are infected or potentially infected with H5N1 avian influenza virus. This means that backyard flock owners, hunters and other bird enthusiasts should also take precautions.

The best way to prevent H5 bird flu is to avoid exposure whenever possible. Infected birds shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, mucous, and feces. Other infected animals may shed avian influenza A viruses in respiratory secretions and other bodily fluids (e.g., in unpasteurized cow milk or 'raw milk').

As a general precaution, whenever possible, people should avoid contact with sick or dead animals, in particular wild birds, and poultry.

For individuals with direct/close contact with wild birds or sick or dead poultry or other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds can be infected with avian influenza A viruses even if they don't look sick.

-- Do not touch surfaces or materials (e.g., animal litter or bedding material) contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus infection.

For more information on H5 bird flu in the U.S. and CDC's response, including regularly updated case counts, visit the H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation page.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/m1218-h5n1-flu.html

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#USA, #USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza in Backyard Non-Poultry #Flock in #Louisiana

 {Excerpt}

WASHINGTON, December 16, 2024 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Bossier Parish, Louisiana.  This is the first case of HPAI in domestic birds in Louisiana during this outbreak, which began in February 2022.

Samples from the flock were tested at the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials in Louisiana on a joint incident response and will provide appropriate support as requested. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections in birds remains low.  As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, Federal and State partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flock. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations. 

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Visit APHIS’ Defend the Flock Resource Center for materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit.

USDA will report these findings to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as well as international trading partners. USDA also continues to communicate with trading partners to encourage adherence to WOAH standards and minimize trade impacts. WOAH trade guidelines call on countries to base trade restrictions on sound science and, whenever possible, limit restrictions to those animals and animal products within a defined region that pose a risk of spreading disease of concern. WOAH trade guidelines also call on member countries to not impose bans on the international trade of poultry commodities in response to notifications in non-poultry.

APHIS announces the first case of HPAI in commercial and backyard flocks detected in a State but does not announce subsequent detections in the State. All cases in commercial and backyard flocks are listed on the APHIS website.

In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through APHIS’ toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. APHIS urges producers to consider bringing birds indoors when possible to further prevent exposures. The Animal Health Protection Act authorizes APHIS to provide indemnity payments to producers for birds and eggs that must be depopulated during a disease response. APHIS also provides compensation for disposal activities and virus elimination activities. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found on APHIS’ Defend the Flock webpage.

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Source: USDA, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-backyard-non-poultry-1 

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#USA, LDH detects first presumptive positive #human #H5N1 case in #Louisiana

 Source: Department of Health, LINK <||>

{Excerpt}

December 13, 2024

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has detected the first presumptive positive human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana. The individual is a resident of southwestern Louisiana and is currently hospitalized. 

LDH's Office of Public Health is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the epidemiologic investigation. The investigation identified that the individual had exposure to sick and dead birds that are suspected to have been infected with H5N1.

H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds. In the United States, outbreaks of the currently circulating H5N1 avian influenza viruses in wild birds and poultry have been ongoing since 2022. As of December 13, 2024, 60 confirmed human cases of H5N1 have been reported across the U.S., with the majority linked to exposure to infected poultry or dairy cows. There has been no human-to-human virus transmission in the U.S. to date.

While the current public health risk for the general public is low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.

The best way to protect yourself and your family from H5N1 is to avoid sources of exposure. That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with bird flu viruses.

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