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Situational Awareness • May 6, 2025 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Clinician Update on Human Cases of H5N1 and Influenza A Virus Surveillance

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Date May 6 1:00 pm 2:00 pm
Location Webinar

The CDC continues to emphasize the importance of ongoing surveillance to detect human infections of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. Since 2022 to mid-April 2025, 71 human cases of avian influenza A(H5) were identified in the U.S., including 70 occurring during 2024 and 2025. Most human cases reported unprotected workplaces exposures, such as contact with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus-infected dairy cows or poultry without using recommended personal protective equipment; however, two cases involved exposure to backyard poultry or wild birds, and the source of the exposure in three cases could not be determined. Given the pandemic risk posed by novel influenza A viruses, including avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses, healthcare providers should remain alert to the possibility of human infections with novel influenza A viruses, particularly if a patient has relevant exposure history.

During this Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Call, presenters will give updates on the current situation with human cases of influenza A(H5) in the U.S. and CDC’s surveillance and monitoring efforts for influenza A virus infections among people in the U.S. The discussion will emphasize what is expected of state and local partners and clinicians during the summer months when seasonal influenza virus circulation is typically low.

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to accomplish the following:

  1. Provide an update on human infections with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in the U.S.
  2. Discuss CDC’s surveillance and monitoring efforts for avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infections in people.
  3. Outline the public health implications of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in animals and the importance of early detection of human infections and control measures. 
  4. Describe expectations for summertime influenza surveillance activities in the U.S., including collecting and testing recommended clinical specimens for influenza viruses, subtyping influenza A positive specimens, and submitting influenza A(H5) positive specimens to CDC. 

If you are unable to attend the live session of this COCA Call, the fully closed-captioned video and written transcript will be available on the COCA Call webpage approximately one week after the live session

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