Good afternoon. This is the official H5N1 Bird Flu Briefing: Public Health Alert. Our purpose today is to update you on the current H5N1, or bird flu, situation, clarify what the alert level means, review symptoms to watch for, lay out protocols for those in high-risk roles, provide priority guidance for the public, and share resources for further information and emergency support.
As of today, October 18, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the nationwide public health risk level for H5N1 is low. This means that while the virus is present in wild birds, poultry, and some mammals, sustained person-to-person spread has not been observed. Seventy human H5N1 cases have been identified in the United States, primarily among workers with direct exposure to dairy herds and poultry. Only one death has been recorded. The general population, including consumers of pasteurized dairy and properly cooked poultry, faces very low risk. The situation remains under close surveillance by CDC and state health authorities.
Symptoms to monitor include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, eye redness or conjunctivitis, nausea, or diarrhea. These are often similar to seasonal flu. If you develop mild upper respiratory symptoms and have not been around sick or dead birds or livestock, self-monitoring at home is appropriate. However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, persistent high fever, or if symptoms worsen quickly. People working with poultry, dairy cattle, or wildlife must inform medical professionals of this exposure if symptoms develop.
Containment protocols for those employed in poultry farms, dairy facilities, or culling operations are essential. The California Department of Public Health stresses the use of protective gear, including gloves, N95 masks, goggles, and dedicated clothing. Workers should avoid touching their face while handling animals, regularly sanitize hands and equipment, and report all sick or dying animals to animal health authorities promptly. Facilities must follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the movement of potentially infected animals and restrict access to staff essential to operations only.
Here are the priority guidelines for the general public:
- Do not touch or collect dead birds, wild animals, or sick farm livestock.
- Avoid visiting farms or live animal markets unless necessary.
- Only consume pasteurized milk and properly cooked poultry and eggs; these are safe to eat.
- If you work in animal agriculture, ensure you are vaccinated with both seasonal flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines.
- Wash hands frequently, especially after being outdoors or handling pets.
- Make sure your pets do not have access to dead birds or wildlife that could carry H5N1.
- Follow all local health advisories and report any suspected exposure immediately.
For further information, consult your state or local health department. The CDC H5N1 information webpage, county public health hotlines, and local health agencies remain the main resources. In case of medical emergency, seek prompt care at your nearest emergency department.
Thank you for tuning in to this week’s briefing. Please come back next week for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production; for more, visit QuietPlease Dot A I.
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