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H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak Continues Worldwide With Low Human Risk and Ongoing Animal Surveillance in 2025
Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update. Today is Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Here are the top stories and essential updates from the past 24 hours.
Top Stories
First, the World Health Organization reports no new human H5N1 cases confirmed globally in the last day. The total remains at 26 infections for 2025, with 14 in Cambodia, resulting in eight deaths. India and Mexico have also reported fatalities. All known cases have had direct or probable contact with infected poultry or wild birds, and no evidence of person-to-person transmission has been identified. The risk to the general public is assessed as low, but continued vigilance is urged.
Second, animal outbreaks persist, with the Pan American Health Organization confirming that H5N1 remains widespread in wild birds and poultry. Since 2022, nearly 5,000 animal outbreaks have been reported across 19 countries in the Americas. While no new countries have reported outbreaks today, U.S. authorities confirmed ongoing transmission in dairy herds. Over 1,050 dairy farms in 17 states have reported H5N1 in herds, according to recent surveillance summaries.
Third, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidance for agricultural workers following additional reports of exposure. They are again stressing that anyone working directly with poultry or dairy cattle should wear appropriate personal protective equipment and take immediate action if symptoms of illness develop. The CDC continues to coordinate closely with international partners to track new cases and mutations in the virus.
Global Case Numbers
Compared to yesterday, the global total of reported human H5N1 infections has not changed. The United States has not reported any new human cases since February 2025, maintaining three total for this year. Elsewhere, the pace of new cases appears stable, with no surges recorded this week. Historical fatality rates remain high, with the World Health Organization noting 470 deaths among 973 confirmed global cases since 2003, representing a 48 percent case fatality rate.
Expert Interview
To help us understand the evolving situation, Dr. Angela Ruiz, infectious disease specialist at the Pan American Health Organization, shared this insight:
"Direct contact with infected animals remains the primary risk for humans. While we are seeing scattered animal outbreaks, robust protective measures for agricultural workers and immediate reporting of suspected cases are our best tools to prevent human infection and allow for rapid containment."
New Guidance and Health Authority Statements
The CDC reiterated in a statement today that there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission of H5N1. They emphasized that while new animal outbreaks may occur, the overwhelming majority of human cases arise from direct contact with sick poultry or cattle. Surveillance and biosecurity efforts are being strengthened, especially in regions with recent detections.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow, health authorities are expected to release updated data on animal surveillance, with a particular focus on recent farm outbreaks. The CDC will also issue an updated technical report examining recent genetic analyses of circulating H5N1 strains, with particular attention on any mutations potentially increasing human transmissibility. Continued close monitoring will be essential.
Thank you for tuning in to Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update. For more news and analysis, join us next week. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out QuietPlease.AI.
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Published on 1 week, 3 days ago