Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection

Any patient with suspected or confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus infection should be started on antiviral treatment as soon as possible and isolated following recommended infection control precautions. Local and national public health authorities should be contacted immediately. Instructions for discharge or home care and risk management of clinically mild illness with HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection should be provided by local or national public health departments to fit the needs of the particular case. The health department will determine whether quarantine of exposed people, other forms of social distancing, and other pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures must be undertaken to prevent HPAI A(H5N1) virus transmission among exposed people in the community. Physicians are not recommended to manage HPAI A(H5N1) cases without close guidance and involvement by local or national public health departments.

Further information is available from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the UK Health Security Agency:

• WHO: influenza (avian and other zoonotic) Opens in new window

• WHO: ​influenza (avian and other zoonotic)​ fact sheet Opens in new window

• CDC: avian influenza (bird flu) Opens in new window

• UK Health Security Agency: avian influenza: guidance, data and analysis Opens in new window​​​