Avian Flu/H5N1
H5 bird flu is
widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry
and U.S. dairy cows with two cases of H5 in U.S. dairy workers.
While
the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation
carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal
exposures. CDC is using its flu surveillance systems to monitor for H5N1 activity in people.
Protective Actions for People
Learn how to prevent bird flu infections with this CDC guidance:
Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible.
Avoid contact with wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died and call to report sick or dead birds.
Avoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them.
Avoid
unprotected direct physical contact or close exposure with cows and
materials potentially infected or confirmed to be infected with HPAI
A(H5N1) virus.
People
should not eat or drink raw milk or products made with raw milk.
Choosing pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family
safe.
It
is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United
States. There are recommendations around products from other animals
with H5N1 virus infections, including cattle and milk.
CDC
does not currently recommend any travel restrictions related to bird
flu to countries affected by bird flu in birds, other animals or
people.
Learn what to do if you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sick.
Visit CDC’s avian influenza (bird flu) information for health professional and laboratorians.
Seasonal
flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, but
can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and
thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection.
Resources
CDC: H5N1 Bird Flu Response Update 2/26/25
CDC: Influenza (Flu)
CDC: Wastewater Data for Avian Influenza
IDPH: Avian Influenza
IDPH: Food Safety and H5N1 Avian Flu
IDPH: Health Care Personnel Exposure
IDPH: Raw Milk and Your Health
Illinois Department of Agriculture: Avian Influenza
MMWR: Outbreak of H5N1 Virus in U.S. Dairy Cattle and Detection of Two Human Cases - United States, 2024
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
