H5N1 (Avian Flu)

H5N1 (avian flu) is a highly contagious virus found in wild aquatic birds, domestic poultry, and other animal species. Although avian flu viruses do not usually infect humans, nearly 600 cases of human H5N1 have been reported worldwide since 2003.

• Most human cases of H5N1 occur in people who are directly exposed to infected poultry.
• There have been no reported cases on H5N1 flu viruses in birds, poultry, or people in the United States.
• You cannot get H5N1 from properly handled and cooked poultry or eggs.
• Unlike other types of flu, the H5N1 flu virus usually does not spread between people.

What is H5N1 flu?

H5N1 (avian flu) is a highly contagious virus found in wild aquatic birds. It can also infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. Rare cases of H5N1 in humans have been reported. Most human cases of H5N1 occur in people directly exposed to infected poultry. You cannot get H5N1 from properly handled and cooked poultry or eggs.

Is H5N1 still a threat?

Since 2003, nearly 600 cases of human infection with H5N1 flu have been reported by 15 countries in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe, and the Near East. There have been no reported cases of H5N1 flu viruses in birds, poultry, or people in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains records of human H5N1 cases around the world (PDF - 26 KB).

What are the symptoms of H5N1 flu?

The symptoms of H5N1 include:

• Seasonal flu symptoms
• Eye infections
• Severe respiratory illness:
  • Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
  • Pneumonia
  • Acute respiratory distress
  • Viral pneumonia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Neurological changes:
  • Altered mental state
  • Seizures

How does H5N1 flu spread?

Unlike other types of flu, the H5N1 flu virus does not usually spread between people. Most cases of H5N1 occur in people exposed to infected poultry.

How can I prevent H5N1 flu?

Most people who get H5N1 come in direct contact with infected poultry. The best way to prevent H5N1 flu is to avoid infected poultry.

The United States government carefully controls domestic and imported food products. In 2004, they issued a ban on importing poultry from countries affected by avian influenza viruses, including H5N1. This ban is still in effect.

You cannot get H5N1 from properly handled and cooked poultry and eggs. When preparing poultry or eggs:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw poultry or eggs
• Clean cutting boards and other utensils with soap and water to keep raw poultry from contaminating other foods.
• Use a food thermometer to make sure you cook poultry to a temperature of at least 165^o F.
• Cook eggs until whites and yolks are firm.

Who monitors H5N1 in the United States?

WHO coordinates the global response to human cases of H5N1 flu and monitors the threat of an H5N1 flu pandemic.

Related Links

Avian Influenza in Humans

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in People