H5N1 Bird Flu Update February 2026 CDC Reports Low Public Health Risk With 71 US Cases cover art

H5N1 Bird Flu Update February 2026 CDC Reports Low Public Health Risk With 71 US Cases

H5N1 Bird Flu Update February 2026 CDC Reports Low Public Health Risk With 71 US Cases

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 H5N1 Bird Flu Briefing: Public Health Alert

Good afternoon. This is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with an urgent public health briefing on the H5N1 bird flu situation as of February 2026. Our purpose today is to update you on the current risks, symptoms, and protective measures to keep you and your communities safe. The CDC assesses the public health risk as low, with no evidence of person-to-person spread, according to our latest surveillance data. Since 2024, there have been 71 confirmed human cases in the US, mostly among dairy and poultry workers, with 2 deaths, but cases have dropped sharply in 2025 due to reduced animal infections and robust monitoring of over 16,800 exposed individuals.

This matters because H5N1 remains widespread in wild birds, poultry, and dairy cows across states like California, where recent confirmations show ongoing detections in dairy herds, and Pennsylvania poultry facilities. Globally, cases continue, including Cambodia's first 2026 human infection. While human risk is low and no unusual flu activity appears in emergency visits, vigilance prevents escalation.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe symptoms like high fever over 103F, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or persistent vomiting, especially with animal exposure. These could signal serious infection. Monitor at home milder signs such as conjunctivitis, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, or fatigue for 10 days; rest, stay hydrated, and isolate if symptoms worsen.

For poultry workers, dairy farm staff, and high-risk settings: Follow containment protocols. Wear PPE including N95 masks, goggles, gloves, and gowns during animal contact. Report sick birds or cows promptly to USDA or state vets. Quarantine exposed herds as California has done with recent cases. Disinfect equipment thoroughly and avoid raw milk. CDC recommends post-exposure antiviral prophylaxis like oseltamivir for high-risk contacts.

General public guidelines by priority:
First, avoid contact with sick or dead birds, cows, or wild game. Cook poultry and eggs to 165F; pasteurize milk products.
Second, practice hygiene: Wash hands 20 seconds after animal areas, cover coughs.
Third, if you have backyard flocks, report illness to local ag authorities.
Fourth, stay current on seasonal flu shots to protect against co-infections.

For more, visit cdc.gov/bird-flu or who.int for global updates. In emergencies, call 911 or your local health department. Antiviral info at cdc.gov/flu.

Thank you for tuning in. Stay informed and safe. Come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. For me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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