What to know
- Presentation Day/Time: Tuesday, April 22, 9:00–10:25 am
- Presenter: Erica Zeno, PhD, MPH, EIS officer assigned to the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Influenza Division
What did we do?
- On October 18, 2024, the Washington State Department of Health notified CDC about a cluster of illnesses among workers depopulating chickens at an influenza A(H5) virus-infected commercial egg-laying facility. We assessed workers’ symptoms and potential exposures to A(H5) virus and tested clinical specimens for A(H5) virus to inform control measures.
What did we find?
- We identified 237 workers exposed to the facility. Seventy-eight reported any symptoms; 28 of those only upper respiratory symptoms, nine only conjunctivitis, 38 both.
- Sixty-two workers were tested, 14 were positive for influenza A(H5) virus, and 11 were confirmed at CDC.
- Of the 14 workers with A(H5), 13 had conjunctivitis, ten had one or more respiratory symptoms, and one reported respiratory symptoms without conjunctivitis. Thirteen were treated with antivirals and none were hospitalized.
- Eight of the 11 workers with CDC-confirmed H5 reported using some PPE, but use was inconsistent.
Why does it matter?
- This poultry facility-associated cluster of influenza A(H5) human cases highlights the ongoing risk to persons who work in close contact with infected animals.
- Employers can reduce A(H5) infection risk by following CDC recommendations for engineering and administrative controls, educating workers on proper use of PPE, and providing appropriate PPE.
Abstract Category: Avian Flu