H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak Continues with Low Public Risk, CDC Reports Steady Human Cases and Ongoing Animal Surveillance

This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update for Monday, December 15, 2025. Top stories: First, the United States has reported no new human H5N1 infections in the last 24 hours, keeping the national total at 71 confirmed A(H5) cases since early 2024, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Both agencies continue to report no sustained human-to-human transmission. Second, globally, animal outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza remain active. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s latest situation update notes hundreds of recent H5Nx outbreaks in poultry and wild birds across more than 30 countries, with nine new human infections with avian influenza viruses of zoonotic potential reported since early October. Most of these new human cases are linked to direct contact with sick or dead birds or infected livestock. Third, health authorities in Asia and Europe are reinforcing farm biosecurity after new detections of H5N1 in poultry in several countries, including recent reports compiled by Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection. Officials emphasize rapid culling, movement controls, and surveillance in birds as the front line of defense to prevent further human exposure. By the numbers: Compared with yesterday, there is no change in the official count of human H5N1 cases in the United States and no additional deaths reported. CDC continues to classify the overall public health risk from H5 bird flu to the general population as low, while warning that the virus remains a serious occupational risk for workers exposed to infected animals. New guidance: CDC is reiterating its advice that people who work with poultry or dairy cattle use appropriate personal protective equipment, including fit-tested respirators, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing, and that any worker who develops respiratory or eye symptoms after exposure should be promptly tested for influenza. The World Health Organization is again urging countries to strengthen surveillance in both animals and humans, share genetic sequence data quickly, and ensure that seasonal and candidate H5 vaccines are ready if needed. Now, a brief interview snippet. Host: Joining us is Dr. Elena Martinez, an infectious disease specialist working with a national influenza surveillance network. Dr. Martinez, how worried should people be today about H5N1? Dr. Martinez: For the general public, the risk remains low right now. Almost all recent infections have come from close, unprotected contact with infected birds or livestock. But the virus is still evolving in animals, so sustained surveillance and strict protections for farm and culling workers are essential. The key message is vigilance without panic. Looking ahead: Over the next 24 hours, health agencies are expected to update animal outbreak tallies and genetic analyses of recent H5N1 and related H5Nx detections. Officials are watching closely for any viral changes t This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.