H5N1 Bird Flu Remains Stable with No New Human Cases Reported Worldwide in Latest CDC and WHO Updates

Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update Monday, July 28th, 2025 This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update, your essential briefing on global bird flu developments. Today is Monday, July 28th, 2025. Top stories First, over the past 24 hours, surveillance by the World Health Organization and regional agencies has shown no new confirmed human cases of H5N1 avian influenza. The global total stands steady at 986 laboratory-confirmed human cases since 2003, with 27 cases reported since the start of 2025, according to the most recent WHO report as of July 25. Second, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that no new spillover events from birds or cattle to humans have been detected in the U.S. since February 2025. H5N1 remains present in animal populations, with 1,074 dairy herds affected across 17 states in the U.S., and isolated outbreaks continue in commercial poultry operations, notably in California, according to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Third, authorities in Cambodia, after a surge in cases last month, confirm that the situation remains stable with all eleven cases in 2025 already previously reported. Increased surveillance and response measures are ongoing, particularly in rural regions where exposure to backyard poultry remains the primary risk factor. Changes in case numbers Globally and nationally, there have been no incremental changes in confirmed human H5N1 infections since our last report yesterday. Cases identified in recent months remain under follow-up, with no evidence of secondary transmission. Surveillance data from both the CDC and WHO confirms that H5N1 human-to-human transmission is not occurring at this time. New guidance or statements The CDC has reiterated that the risk to the general public remains low. Routine guidance has not changed, but health care providers are reminded to report suspected novel influenza infections promptly and ensure accelerated genetic subtyping for any severe or unusual respiratory illness in hospitalized patients. The World Health Organization continues to rate the public health risk as low, though occupational risk for animal workers remains low to moderate depending on exposures and safety measures. Expert interview snippet For additional perspective, we spoke to Dr. Maria Nguyen, an epidemiologist specializing in zoonotic diseases: “We know H5N1 continues to circulate in animal populations globally. The lack of human-to-human transmission is reassuring, but ongoing spillover to people with close animal contact means vigilance is critical. Strengthened biosecurity and protective equipment for workers remain our best defense.” Looking ahead Tomorrow we expect updated weekly surveillance figures from the CDC, which will include monitoring data from states with recent poultry outbreaks. Health officials in Southeast Asia will also provide an update on containment efforts in regions with continued animal infections. Globally, agencies remain focused This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.