Risk for Infection in Humans after Exposure to Birds Infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus,...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Virology

Background:

• Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus (HPAI A(H5N1)) poses a significant threat to avian populations.
• Widespread outbreaks in poultry necessitate monitoring for potential zoonotic transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the extent of HPAI A(H5N1) outbreaks in US poultry.
• To document any human infections or exposures linked to these avian outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• Surveillance data from US states on avian influenza outbreaks.
• Detection of viral RNA in human respiratory specimens.

Main Results:

• From February to September 2022, 39 US states reported HPAI A(H5N1) outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry.
• One human case tested positive for HPAI A(H5) viral RNA in a respiratory specimen after exposure to infected birds.

Conclusions:

• The extensive HPAI A(H5N1) outbreaks in poultry highlight the need for continued vigilance.
• The detection of viral RNA in a human case underscores the importance of monitoring human exposure and infection risk during avian influenza outbreaks.