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CDC urges faster subtyping of flu tests to identify possible human cases of H5N1

January 16, 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory Thursday recommending the expedited subtyping of all hospitalized influenza A patients to identify possible human infections of H5N1 bird flu more quickly.

The advisory comes amid high national levels of seasonal influenza cases and the ongoing outbreak of H5N1 that has infected dairy cows, bird flocks and 67 humans across the U.S. One death of a Louisiana resident over age 65 with underlying medical conditions has been confirmed.

“Clinicians and laboratorians are reminded to test for influenza in patients with suspected influenza and, going forward, to now expedite the subtyping of influenza A-positive specimens from hospitalized patients, particularly those in an intensive care unit,” the advisory said.

The CDC still characterizes the risk of H5N1 to the public as low with no person-to-person spread, “but is closely monitoring this dynamic situation,” the advisory said.

The advisory recommends the following for all clinicians.

  • Ask patients with confirmed or suspected influenza about potential exposure to wild and domestic animals, including pets, and animal products like poultry, raw milk products and raw meat-based pet food. Also inquire about possible close contact with a symptomatic person.
  • Use proper infection control measures regarding influenza.
  • Place any patients with confirmed or suspected H5N1 infections in an airborne infection isolation room with negative pressure and use proper protection, including goggles or a face shield.
  • Test for seasonal influenza A in hospitalized patients with suspected infections and order a subtype test within 24 hours of admission for patients who test positive.
  • Hospitalized patients, especially those in the intensive care unit, with suspected seasonal or avian flu should begin antiviral treatment with oseltamivir as soon as possible without waiting for test results.
  • Notify the local health department if H5N1 infection is suspected, probable or confirmed in a patient.

People who work with animals, tend backyard flocks or hunt are at higher risk of exposure to H5N1, according to the CDC. Viruses may be shed in birds’ saliva, mucus and feces, and in other animals’ respiratory secretions or bodily fluids, including raw milk.

The CDC recommends avoiding contact with sick or dead animals, properly cooking poultry, eggs and beef, and not consuming raw or unpasteurized milk products. Those who must have close contact with wild birds, cows or other animals suspected to be infected should wear personal protective equipment.

California child is 67th confirmed case

The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) announced Jan. 10 that a child with fever and conjunctivitis had fully recovered from a presumptive case of bird flu without hospitalization.

Thursday, the CDC upped its human case count by one to 67 and the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy reported the CDC had confirmed the California case.

The SFPDH has not determined how the child was infected but maintained there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

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