Year-Round Influenza Testing Urged to Detect Novel Strains Like HPAI A(H5N1)

(July 7, 2025) The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) recently issued a Health Advisory. In light of the ongoing global outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1), the NYSDOH and the CDC are urging healthcare providers to maintain year-round influenza testing, even during periods of low seasonal flu activity.

Background

The U.S. is experiencing its largest recorded outbreak of avian influenza in poultry, with HPAI A(H5N1) also detected in dairy cattle across 17 states and sporadically in other animals. While human cases remain rare and there is no sustained person-to-person transmission, the virus’s unpredictable nature and widespread animal infections warrant heightened surveillance and rapid response.

Key Actions for Healthcare Providers

Test and Subtype: Continue influenza testing for patients with respiratory illness and subtype all positive influenza A results.
Screen for Exposure: Ask patients about contact with poultry, wild birds, dairy cattle, swine, cats, raw animal products, or agricultural fairs.
Submit Samples:
- All hospitalized patients with confirmed influenza A, especially those in ICU.
- Outpatients with confirmed influenza A and high-risk exposures.
- As capacity allows, submit all positive influenza A samples without known subtype.

Infection Prevention Measures

Use standard, contact, and airborne precautions, including eye protection, for patients with flu-like illness and recent animal exposure.
Place suspected HPAI A(H5N1) patients in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR).
If no AIIR is available, mask the patient and isolate them in a closed-door exam room with no recirculated air unless HEPA-filtered.

Reporting and Support

Suspected novel influenza A cases should be reported immediately:
- NYSDOH: 518-473-4439 (business hours) or 1-866-881-2809 (after hours)
- NYC providers: 1-866-692-3641

Resources and Contacts

Specimen submission: wcid@health.ny.gov
CLIMS enrollment: climsoutreach@health.ny.gov
Infection control questions: icp@health.ny.gov
General A(H5N1) inquiries: BCDC@health.ny.gov
NYSDOH Avian Influenza Guidance: health.ny.gov/avian/providers
Public Info: health.ny.gov/avian
CDC Situation Summary: cdc.gov/bird-flu

Contact: Carrie Mosley, cmosley@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383 x. 147