Good afternoon. This is an official public health briefing titled "H5N1 Bird Flu Briefing: Public Health Alert." The purpose of this message is to inform you about the current status of the H5N1 bird flu virus, its implications for public health, and the recommended measures to protect ourselves and others.

As of December 2025, the H5N1 bird flu virus continues to circulate globally and in the Americas region. Although the number of human infections remains low, recent activity shows over 5,000 outbreaks in birds and multiple cases in mammals including domestic animals and livestock. The virus has been detected in wild birds, poultry, dairy cattle, and some domestic mammals such as cats. Since 2022, there have been 76 confirmed human infections in the Americas with 2 deaths. The overall human fatality rate worldwide from H5N1 is approximately 48 percent, underscoring the seriousness of this virus when transmitted to people. However, it is important to emphasize that at this time, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, and the current public health risk is considered low by health authorities including the CDC and the World Health Organization.

Why does this matter? H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus capable of causing severe illness and death in humans following direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. The virus spreads primarily through contact with infected birds’ bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Given the virus’s potential severity and its ongoing spread among animal populations, vigilance is necessary to prevent outbreaks in humans and minimize risk to public health.

Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include sudden onset of high fever, cough, difficulty breathing, severe muscle aches, chest pain, or pneumonia-like symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms who has had recent exposure to live poultry, wild birds, or work environments involving birds should seek medical care promptly. Milder symptoms such as sore throat, mild cough, fatigue, or runny nose without exposure history can generally be monitored at home with self-care, but if symptoms worsen or no improvement occurs within 48 hours, professional evaluation is advised.

For those working in high-risk settings such as poultry farms, live bird markets, veterinary clinics, or wildlife rehabilitation centers, strict containment protocols must be followed:

- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including masks, gloves, and eye protection when handling birds or cleaning bird environments.

- Practice thorough hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers after any contact with birds or potentially contaminated surfaces.

- Immediately report any signs of illness in birds or yourself to occupational health or veterinary authorities.

- Avoid eating, drinking, or touching your face while working with poultry.

- Follow all quarantine or culling instructions promptly if exposure or infection is detected in your workplace.

The general public should observe the following guidelines prioritized for safety:

1. Avoid direct contact with wild or domestic birds, especially sick or dead ones.

2. Do not consume raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized dairy products. Proper cooking and pasteurization kill the virus effectively.

3. Report sick or dead birds to local animal control or public health authorities.

4. Practice good hand hygiene regularly, especially after visiting farms, markets, or locations with birds.

5. Stay informed through official sources such as the CDC, local health departments, and the World Health Organization.

For more information or in case of emergency, please contact your local health department or the national public health hotline. Veterinary experts are also available to...