DETROIT – Avian influenza continues to create significant concern among public health professionals about possible threats to human health. 

The Wayne State University Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases (CEID) today issued guidance regarding the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks affecting multiple states.

Avian influenza is common in the wild bird population and has infected commercial poultry flocks, including nearly 1 million birds in Darke County, Ohio. Human cases of avian influenza in the U.S. are very rare, are generally not severe, and have occurred primarily in dairy workers. The first confirmed human death in the United States was recently reported in an older patient from Louisiana with underlying health conditions who had been exposed to backyard poultry and wild birds.

The CEID emphasizes key preventive measures:

• Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance.
• Report unusual numbers of sick or dead birds to state wildlife officials.
• Carefully wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water, especially after handling poultry products.
• Do not consume raw milk or raw milk products.
• Get your annual influenza vaccination to avoid the possibility of co-infections.
• Avoid unprotected direct physical contact or close exposure to cattle.
• Dairy workers and those who work with cattle should take additional precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment.

Currently, there is no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission from this strain of avian influenza; therefore, it does not pose any immediate threat to public health.

"We're monitoring the situation closely," said Marcus Zervos, M.D., a co-director of CEID. "While human infections are rare, staying informed and following basic precautions is essential."

Teena Chopra, M.D., assistant dean at Wayne State’s School of Medicine and co-director of CEID, added, “Part of our monitoring and surveillance includes developing testing capabilities for avian influenza through our CEID laboratory.”

CEID recommends consumers continue normal poultry and egg consumption, noting that properly cooked products remain safe. Current commercial poultry safety protocols help prevent infected birds from entering the food supply.

For updated information, visit  https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife/wildlife-disease/disease-monitoring/avian-influenza-updates or contact your local health department.

For information on avian influenza from CEID’s Youth Ambassadors, visit https://ceid.wayne.edu/news/ceid-youth-ambassadors-discuss-raising-concerns-with-h5n1-65103.

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