H5N1 Avian Influenza ("Bird Flu")

You may have heard a lot about avian flu, or “bird flu,” in the media. There are actually many kinds of flu that can infect birds – wild birds as well as domestic birds, like chickens or turkeys. But recently, health officials have been especially concerned about one particular strain of bird flu. Known as “H5N1,” it can make people – as well as birds – severely ill.

The H5N1 flu virus has affected hundreds of thousands of birds, and more than 200 humans worldwide. Health officials are concerned that it will become the next pandemic influenza strain in humans.

However, it’s very hard for people to get H5N1 bird flu from each other. Most people get it from direct contact with birds or their droppings. That’s why there have been so few human cases.

• Avian Flu and Pandemic Flu: The Difference – and the Connection
  Avian (“bird”) flu and pandemic flu are not the same thing – but there is a connection. Here’s why people are concerned about avian flu.
  
  
• Avian H5N1 in Minnesota Birds
  Although no cases of animal or human illness have been identified in the U.S., the avian H5N1 influenza virus is spreading rapidly in birds and animals in other parts of the world. If it comes to Minnesota, how can you protect yourself from getting sick?
  
  
• Where Is Avian Influenza Now?
  Maps and reports show which countries have human cases or outbreaks in animals.
  
  
• For Health Professionals
  Information for healthcare providers and laboratories, including how to identify possible cases of H5N1 influenza and details of infection control considerations once you have a suspect case.
  Case Definition | Infection Control | Caring for Patients | Laboratory Testing | Clinical Algorithm
  
  
• For EMS, Public Safety, and First Responders
  Fact sheet to help first responders understand the infection control concerns around caring for patients with suspect avian influenza, including the case definition for avian influenza, and some background on the disease.

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