H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary

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Updated April 17, 2024

H5N1 Detections in USA

Wild Birds: Widespread
Poultry Flocks: Sporadic outbreaks
Mammals: Sporadic infections
People: 2 cases in U.S.
Person-to-person spread: None
Current public health risk: Low

Spotlights

Apr 12. 2024 Vietnam Reports First Human Infection with Avian Influenza H9N2 Virus
Apr 05. 2024 Update: Human Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Texas
Apr 05. 2024 CDC HAN: A(H5N1) Virus: Identification of Human Infection and Recommendations for Investigations and Response
Apr 02. 2024 Technical Update: Summary Analysis of Genetic Sequences of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses in Texas
Mar 29. 2024 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Animals: Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations

This webpage will be updated weekly on Wednesdays to reflect any new data. Data on wild birds have been collected since January 20, 2022. Data on poultry have been collected since February 8, 2022.

Protective Actions for People

Protective actions around wild birds
Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible. Learn more.
What to do if you find a dead bird
Avoid contact with wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died and call to report sick or dead birds. Learn more.
Protective actions around other animals with H5N1 bird flu
Avoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them. Learn more.
Preparing food
It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States. There are recommendations around products from other animals with H5N1 virus infections, including cattle and milk. Learn more.
Traveling to other countries
CDC does not currently recommend any travel restrictions related to bird flu to countries affected by bird flu in birds, other animals or people. Learn more.
If you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sick
Learn what to do if you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sick. Learn more.
Clinician, laboratorian or public health worker
Visit CDC’s avian influenza (bird flu) information for health professional and laboratorians webpage for the latest guidance. Learn more
Get a seasonal flu vaccine
Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection. Learn more.