United States: The US CDC is encouraging healthcare professionals to step up bird flu testing with hospitalized flu patients as the H5N1 avian influenza spreads in the US and Canada.
The advisory, issued January 16, suggests that healthcare facilities confirm the presence of bird flu through a second test on samples other than blood for any patient with seasonal or H5N1 avian influenza – bird flu – history upon admission, US News reported,
More about the news
It also provides guidelines for starting antiviral such as Tamiflu without having to undergo a test first.
The Washington Post has reported that delays when it comes to bird flu can hinder investigations, delay treatment for exposed people, and impact healthcare infection control.
Is it seasonal flu or bird flu? CDC prompts hospitals to fast-track subtype testing of sick patients to tell the difference. https://t.co/U5rL7iufME
— Wisconsin State Farmer (@WI_State_Farmer) January 17, 2025
Patients who are not tested quickly may not recall where they might have been exposed seven to 10 days prior to getting infected or which others they may have been infecting the same, as mentioned by Dr. Nirav Shah, the CDC’s principal deputy director.
“The more time that passes, the more [a patient’s] memories fade,” he added.
What more are the officials stating?
Of the bird flu cases in the ongoing outbreak, bird flu has affected more people.
A few weeks before, a Louisiana man was the first American to die of bird flu, and a Canadian girl was bedridden with severe disease for two months.
CDC urges faster testing to find human bird flu cases https://t.co/EPJ5l9Zb1N pic.twitter.com/g268000VtW
— The Last Word (@TheLastWord) January 17, 2025
Other health departments have also substantiated similar rising incidences of bird flu infections that affected domestic cats feeding on raw pet foods or raw milk.
Who is more vulnerable?
The CDC has maintained its stance that bird flu is not really a threat to the average individual.
However, an updated public health risk assessment notes that certain groups face a higher risk, including:
"Bird Flu Raising Red Flags Among Health Officials, CDC Urges Faster Testing" – Benzinga #SmartNews testing for the bird flu or the injection? We know how speeding up injections can end! Sounds like they’re in a hurry, more. $$$! https://t.co/HrcmXQUE6v
— Emilyjo Collins (@EmilyJCollins10) January 17, 2025
- Farm laborers involved in treating cattle or their products
- Owners of backyard flocks
- Animal care workers
- Veterinarians
- The public health staff that conducted the avian flu breakout