By Andrea Stone
The H5 bird flu wave ruffles feathers all throughout the country, with multiple cases spreading from wild birds, dairy, and poultry farms to multiple unsuspecting neighborhoods in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the H5 bird flu remains low-risk to the public while officials are closely monitoring the situation and working with state health departments to prevent further infections and to track cases.
H5 bird flu has infected wild birds across 51 jurisdictions, affected over 147 million poultry, and affected nearly 950 dairy since late January of 2025. Since early 2024, 67 human cases were confirmed across multiple states, mainly within individuals with direct exposure to the infected animals. The highest number of reported human infections as to date are reported in California (38 cases), Washington (11 cases), and Colorado (10 cases). However, Louisiana reported the first H5 human fatality in the U.S, with an additional potential five human cases reported in Washington, Arizona, California, and Delaware. Further updates with the CDC are still being tracked to confirm the infections.
In collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies, the CDC’s response towards controlling the H5 bird flu outbreak includes five key actions as of January 2025. First, the CDC has monitored and tested over 10,600 people who are potentially infected, with more than 540 tested for the H5 bird flu. Second, the CDC supported state and local health departments with over $200 million dollars towards the outbreak response efforts. Third, the CDC expanded the flu surveillance to track H5 bird flu activity in humans and animals, including wastewater monitoring and hospital reporting. Fourth, the CDC researched the virus’ characteristics, its potential to spread, and effective protective measures. Finally, the CDC prepared for a possible H5 vaccination in case the situation escalates.
While the H5 bird flu is not a major concern to the general public in terms of getting infected, the infection spreading to poultry and dairy has a major impact on dairy products like milk or eggs.
When inquired about the potential of egg prices rising, a concerned senior at Howard High School gave his thoughts on the H5 bird flu in relation to the price rise:
"Yeah-- I mean, I heard a bit about the bird flu. I know birds are getting infected, and yeah, it makes sense that supply is down, and eggs are getting more expensive. But with how expensive eggs are, I’m not paying an extra dollar to make scrambled eggs anymore." -- Andre McCane.
As the outbreak continues, researchers and health officials continue to monitor the situation. While the risk to the public is low, it is recommended by the CDC to immediately get medical attention if shown flu-like symptoms after recent exposure to an animal.
References
CDC. “First H5 Bird Flu Death Reported in United States.” CDC Newsroom, 6 Jan. 2025, www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/m0106-h5-birdflu-death.html. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
CDC. “H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation.” CDC Avian Influenza (Bird Flu), 21 June 2024, www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
Human Foods Program. “Investigation of Avian Influenza a (H5N1) Virus in Dairy Cattle.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 17 Jan. 2025, www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/investigation-avian-influenza-h5n1-virus-dairy-cattle. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board