Bird flu: What you need to know

February 7, 2025

The first death in a person infected with avian influenza (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed on January 6 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Louisiana, following 66 confirmed infections in humans. Health officials have identified cases of bird flu in humans and livestock in multiple states across the United States.  

Nine states have reported cases in both humans and livestock, while an additional eight states have reported outbreaks exclusively in livestock. In total, 17 states have confirmed the presence of bird flu, including poultry farms in Maryland and Virginia. Thus far, there have been no reports of bird flu in Washington, D.C.  

Updated reports in February are warning that a newer strain of avian flu (D1.1), previously only found in humans and birds, has now been detected in dairy cattle in Nevada. This mutation is different from the 2024 outbreak of avian flu (B3.13) that has been circulating across the U.S. Keeping the public informed about bird flu and educating people about ways to reduce the risk of infection is a public health priority. 

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology in the College of Public Health, offers updated insight and clarity about the disease. Roess is an epidemiologist who studies emerging zoonotic (animal to human) infectious diseases and their risk factors. She was a leading source of public information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Roess served as the science director of the Pew Policy Commission on Industrial Food Animal Production, an epidemic intelligence service officer at the CDC, and a consultant on preparedness and response to H5N1 bird flu in 2006.

Should humans be concerned about contracting bird flu? 

The risk to the general public remains low. So far, health officials have not identified or confirmed reports of person-to-person transmission of avian influenza. Those who work in close proximity to animals are at the greatest risk for infection. This includes individuals who care for backyard, noncommercial poultry flocks.  

Fortunately, most human cases have been mild. However, we are worried for those individuals with underlying conditions coming into contact with the virus because their risk of severe illness and death is high. In addition to the increased risk, the virus is more likely to mutate as it lingers in immunocompromised patients. We worry that mutations will arise that make the virus more easily transmissible between humans and more deadly.  

The individual in Louisiana who died was immunocompromised, and the strain identified in that individual appears to have mutated in them. This individual was infected while caring for their domesticated backyard poultry.  

Are eggs and chicken safe to eat right now? 

Yes, as long as they have been properly prepared for consumption. There has been no evidence in the U.S. of bird flu infections from properly cooked eggs, chicken, beef, or pasteurized milk. Uncooked (raw) and undercooked eggs, poultry, beef and unpasteurized milk can cause illness. Heat from cooking food properly kills bacteria and viruses, including avian flu. The best precaution is to ensure all meat is cooked thoroughly (see the CDC's safer foods table), stick to milk products that have been pasteurized, and separate raw food items from cooked.  

Why is there an egg shortage at my grocery store? 

This strain of bird flu is deadly to poultry. When the virus is detected, poultry on that farm are removed from the flock to stop the virus from spreading rapidly between poultry, other animals, and humans. Egg farms across the country are suffering from the loss, which has dwindled the production of eggs. Quite simply, fewer birds mean fewer eggs that can make it into our grocery stores. The demand for eggs cannot be met and so prices rise. 

How did the disease get from birds and livestock to people?  

There are many ways diseases spread from animals to people, directly and indirectly. Touching a contaminated animal, including pets and domesticated livestock, or being exposed to bodily fluids or feces where the animal has been, can result in transmission.  

What we’re primarily seeing in this current outbreak is that agriculture workers and those working with poultry are coming into contact with poultry and livestock that have been infected with bird flu. We are also seeing that cats drinking unpasteurized milk from infected cows are becoming infected and dying from H5N1. At the same time, the FDA has asked pet food companies to consider making sure that pet food contains no raw products since they recognize the general risk to pet health from the consumption of raw animal products. 

What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans? 

Symptoms of this outbreak are like those of other seasonal infections. Redness of the eyes, congestion, cough, sore throat, body and headaches, and slight fever are the most common. In some cases, redness of the eyes was the only symptom present. Severe cases, which are rare, may include higher fever, difficulty breathing, and even unconsciousness.  

How is bird flu diagnosed? Is there a test for bird flu, like there is for the flu and COVID-19? 

Infection is determined by testing a swab of the nose or throat using specific laboratory tests to detect the virus. Because outward signs are so similar to other influenza strains and respiratory illnesses, bird flu can be confused with other illnesses. If you think you have bird flu you should see your health care provider as soon as possible. They can diagnose you and determine the next steps and treatment.  

How can we prevent bird flu from further spreading? 

We know that those at the greatest risk of infection are agricultural workers and people in close proximity with infected animals. Be vigilant around animals, especially dairy cows and poultry. If you suspect an outbreak among animals, avoid contact with the animals and report it to your local health department immediately. Contact your health care provider or state and local health departments to request a test if you believe you may have already been exposed. Quarantine and be sure to avoid people as much as possible while waiting for results.  

As the virus continues to spread, the risk of people coming into contact with it increases. Those who are immunocompromised, or in close quarters with those who are, should exercise extra caution. Get the flu shot, make sure to eat healthy foods, get adequate sleep and try to reduce your stress levels. All of this will reduce the risk of infection and if you are infected this can help lessen disease severity. 

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MEDIA INQUIRIES: For reporters who wish to speak to Amira Roess about bird flu or other emerging diseases, please email media contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.   

Amira Roess is a professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University's College of Public Health, Department of Global and Community Health. She is an epidemiologist with expertise in infectious diseases epidemiology, multidisciplinary and multi-species field research and evaluating interventions to reduce the transmission and impact of infectious diseases. Roess currently oversees several longitudinal studies to understand emergence and transmission of zoonotic infectious diseases globally, including the emergence and transmission of Campylobacter (with support from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), MERS-CoV (with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation), and the development of the microbiome during the first year of life. She studies links between food animal production and emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases emergence globally, and mHealth (especially apps) technology integration and evaluations to reduce the impact of infectious disease outbreaks, promote health care, and help reduce disparities.    

About George Mason University      

George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.     

About College of Public Health at George Mason University     

The College of Public Health at George Mason University is the first College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The college is comprises public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The college offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The college’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan.  

The college enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in our nationally recognized programs, including 5 undergraduate degrees, 7 master’s degrees, and 4 doctoral degrees, and 10 certificate programs. Our graduates are uniquely prepared to thrive in an increasingly multicultural, multidisciplinary, community-focused public health landscape.