H5N1 BIRD FLU BRIEFING: PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT
Good afternoon. I'm bringing you an urgent public health briefing regarding the current status of H5N1 avian influenza in the United States and globally. This briefing is designed to inform you of current risks, recommended actions, and available resources to protect yourself and your community.
CURRENT SITUATION
As of November 2025, the United States has documented 71 confirmed and probable cases of human H5N1 infection since 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 41 cases were linked to dairy cattle exposure, 24 to poultry operations, 3 to other animal contact, and 3 remain under investigation. The virus strain involved is primarily clade 2.3.4.4b. Most cases have presented with mild illness, though 4 patients required hospitalization and 1 death occurred in Louisiana in late 2024. The last documented U.S. case with symptom onset occurred in February 2025. Globally, European health authorities reported 19 additional cases with 3 deaths between June and September 2025.
SYMPTOMS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION
Contact your healthcare provider or emergency services immediately if you experience severe respiratory distress, persistent high fever above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, confusion, loss of consciousness, or coughing up blood. According to CDC guidance, hospitalized patients have presented with pneumonia, requiring respiratory support in some cases. Early antiviral treatment with oseltamivir, taken by mouth twice daily for 5 days, works best when started within two days of symptom onset.
SYMPTOMS TO MONITOR AT HOME
Most cases present with conjunctivitis or eye redness, occurring in 89 percent of reported cases. Mild fever, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, and body aches are common and may be monitored at home with rest and hydration. One-third of all patients reported only conjunctivitis symptoms. If symptoms worsen or respiratory difficulty develops, seek medical care immediately.
PROTOCOLS FOR HIGH-RISK WORKERS
If you work with poultry or dairy cattle, the CDC recommends NIOSH-approved particulate respirators, safety goggles, and disposable gloves in medium-risk settings. Dairy workers should report any eye redness or respiratory symptoms to occupational health services immediately. All 41 dairy exposure cases showed eye symptoms, with 32 percent also reporting fever or respiratory issues. Maintain strict hygiene protocols and avoid contact with potentially infected animals whenever possible.
GUIDELINES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
First priority: Avoid direct contact with infected or potentially infected birds and animals. Second priority: Do not consume unpasteurized milk or poultry from unknown sources. The FDA confirmed the virus spreads through mammary glands in infected cattle. Third priority: Practice standard respiratory hygiene by covering coughs and washing hands frequently. Fourth priority: Monitor yourself for symptoms if you work in agricultural settings or have recent animal exposure.
RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
For current information, visit the CDC website at CDC.gov or call your local health department. The NHS and international health authorities provide additional guidance. If you suspect exposure, contact your healthcare provider or poison control for guidance on antiviral medication access.
Thank you for tuning in today. Please join us next week for additional public health updates and information. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more information, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.
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