England Confirms Bird Flu Cases in People

The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently detected influenza A (H5) virus in two poultry workers who have recently worked on an infected poultry farm in England.

Neither person has experienced any avian influenza (bird flu) symptoms, and both have since tested negative.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, stated in a press release on May 16, 2023, "Current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we're seeing circulating in birds around the world do not spread easily to people."

"However, we know already that the virus can spread to people following close contact with infected birds, and this is why, through screening programs like this one, we are monitoring people who have been exposed to learn more about this risk."

"Globally, there is no evidence of the spread of this strain from person to person, but we know that viruses evolve all the time, and we remain vigilant for any evidence of changing risk to the population."

"It remains critical that people avoid touching sick or dead birds."

In the U.S., one bird flu vaccine is approved by the U.S. FDA.

Precision Vaccinations posts updated news on the global avian influenza outbreak in birds, mammals, and humans.