New publications
WHO calls for increased surveillance of avian influenza
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to step up monitoring for bird flu after the first case was detected in a child in the United States.
Increase in H5N1 cases
WHO Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Maria Van Kerkhove told a press conference that a small but growing number of human infections with the H5N1 virus have been recorded around the world in recent years.
"We really need more robust global monitoring in animals: wild birds, poultry, susceptible animals, including pigs and dairy cattle, to better understand the circulation of the virus in these populations," Van Kerkhove said.
The H5N1 virus was first identified in 1996, but outbreaks in birds have increased significantly since 2020, as have the number of cases in mammals. The strain has killed tens of millions of birds and has also been detected in wild birds and land and marine mammals.
Cases of infection in humans
Human cases reported in Europe and the United States since the virus surged have mostly been mild. In March 2024, the virus was detected in several dairy herds in the United States. American authorities believe the risk to the general population is low, although it is higher for those who work directly with animals such as poultry and dairy cattle.
Last week, U.S. authorities reported the first case of infection in a child in California. The child, who had mild symptoms, is receiving antiviral treatment and is recovering at home. Medical checkups and preventive treatment have been offered to contacts from the child's daycare.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 55 reported cases of H5 infection in humans in the U.S. as of 2024, of which 29 have been in California. All but two of the cases have been linked to contact with infected animals.
Prevention and preparedness
"We have not seen evidence of human-to-human transmission. However, each case needs to be thoroughly investigated," Van Kerkhove stressed.
She also noted the importance of preventing the transmission of the virus between animals and to humans through testing and the use of protective equipment.
As a former WHO technical lead for COVID-19, Van Kerkhove stressed the importance of preparation:
"We need to be prepared for the possibility that at some point we may face a flu pandemic. We are not there yet, but we need to be extra vigilant."