Confirmed Human Case of Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in England

 
Photo by svklimkin

 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a case of influenza A(H5N1) in an individual from the West Midlands region. Human infections with avian influenza are rare, with only a limited number of cases previously reported in the UK.

 

The infection was acquired on a farm where the individual had prolonged and close contact with a significant number of infected birds. However, the overall risk to the general public remains very low.

 

The affected individual is currently in good health and has been admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit as a precautionary measure.

 

The infected birds carried the DI.2 genotype, a strain known to be circulating among avian populations in the UK this season. This genotype differs from those currently detected in mammals and birds in the United States.

 

The case was identified following an outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) in a flock, detected by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

The UKHSA subsequently conducted routine monitoring of individuals who had been in close proximity to the infected birds.

 

Despite extensive surveillance of influenza A(H5N1), no human-to-human transmission has been documented to date. Nevertheless, the UKHSA has undertaken contact tracing for all individuals who may have been exposed to the confirmed case. Those identified as being at the highest risk have been offered antiviral prophylaxis to reduce the likelihood of infection.

 

The risk of avian influenza to the general public remains very low, despite this confirmed case. In the UK, robust surveillance systems are in place to detect cases promptly and implement necessary measures, recognizing that sporadic spillover infections from birds to humans may occur.

 

At present, there is no evidence of onward transmission from this case.

 

It is crucial that individuals avoid contact with sick or dead birds and follow the guidance provided by Defra regarding the reporting of any suspected avian influenza cases.

 

Although avian influenza is highly contagious among birds, human infections are exceptionally rare and typically occur under specific circumstances.

 

Immediate measures were implemented to contain the outbreak at the affected site, including the humane culling of infected birds and thorough cleansing and disinfection of the premises, in accordance with stringent biosecurity protocols. This highlights the critical importance of maintaining rigorous biosecurity measures when managing livestock to safeguard the health and welfare of birds and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Given the increasing number of avian influenza cases in both commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks across the UK, strict biosecurity remains essential.

 

The Minister for Public Health and Prevention has reaffirmed the government's commitment to public safety by closely monitoring the situation.

While the risk of widespread transmission remains minimal, the UK is fully prepared to respond to both current and emerging health threats. As part of its preparedness strategy, the government has recently expanded its vaccine stockpile to include the H5 vaccine, which provides protection against avian influenza.

 

 

The Italian Ministry of Health has issued a circular in response to the increasing global spread of avian influenza and the recent detection of human cases. While the overall risk to the general public remains low, the circular emphasizes the importance of diagnostic testing and active health monitoring for individuals exposed to infected animals or contaminated materials. In such cases, it is recommended to perform a test at the time of exposure (T0) and -repeat it if symptoms develop, or 5-7 days after the last exposure for asymptomatic individuals. Additionally, the circular stresses the need for daily active health surveillance and strict adherence -to hygiene measures to minimize the risk of transmission.

 

 

 

 

Source

 

Gov.UK

 

Italian Ministry of Health

 

 

 
 
 
© IZSAM February 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale

dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale"

 

Campo Boario | 64100 TERAMO | ITALIA

Telefono 0039.0861.3321 | Fax 0039.0861.332251

e-mail: archivioeprotocollo@izs.it

Posta elettronica certificata: protocollo@pec.izs.it

Partita IVA: 00060330677

Codice Fiscale: 80006470670