Human Case of Avian Flu Detected in England

Source: UKHSA, 27 January 2025   UKHSA has confirmed a case of influenza A(H5N1) in a person in the West Midlands region. Bird-to-human transmission of avian influenza is rare and has only occurred a few times in the UK. The individual contracted the infection on a farm after prolonged close contact with a large number of infected birds. The risk to the general public remains very low. The person is currently in good health and has been admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit. The infected birds carried the DI.2 genotype, a virus strain known to be circulating among birds in the UK this season. This strain is different from those found in mammals and birds in the US. Despite extensive recent surveillance of influenza A(H5N1), there has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission. UKHSA has been tracing all individuals who had contact with the confirmed case. Those at highest risk of exposure have been offered antiviral treatment to reduce the chance of infection. The case was identified following an outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) in a flock of birds detected by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). UKHSA conducted routine monitoring of people who had close contact with the infected birds. Read more