Human case of bird flu confirmed in West Midlands

Despite this confirmed case, the risk of bird flu to the general public remains very low- says Professor Susan Hopkins

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a case of avian influenza A(H5N1), commonly known as avian flu or bird flu, in a person from the West Midlands.

The affected person was admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit and is reported to be doing well.

According to UKHSA, the person acquired the infection after prolonged close contact with infected birds on a farm.

Despite this confirmed case, Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, reassured the public that the risk of avian flu to the general public remains “very low.”

She acknowledged the potential for spillover infections from birds to humans and emphasised that robust systems are in place to detect cases early and take necessary action.

She also confirmed no evidence of onward transmission from this case but urged people to avoid touching sick or dead birds and to report suspected cases.

The case was detected after an outbreak of avian influenza(H5N1) in a flock of birds was identified, prompting the UKHSA to conduct routine monitoring of individuals who had been in close contact with the infected birds.

The infected birds were found carrying the DI.2 genotype of the virus, which is circulating among UK birds this season.

UKHSA has been tracing all individuals who may have been exposed to the confirmed case and those at highest risk have been offered antiviral treatment to prevent potential infection.

Measures to contain the outbreak

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, emphasised that while avian influenza is highly contagious among birds, human cases remain very rare.

She said that all infected birds at the site have been humanely culled, and the premises are undergoing cleansing and disinfection under strict biosecurity protocols to contain the spread of the disease.

Middlemiss also highlighted the growing number of bird flu cases in both commercial and backyard flocks across the country, stressing the importance of stringent biosecurity measures when keeping animals.

Andrew Gwynne, minister for public health and prevention, assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the situation.

“The risk of wider or onward transmission is very low, however the UK remains prepared and ready to respond to any current and future health threats,” Gwynne stated.

As part of its preparedness plan, the government has added the H5 vaccine, which offers protection against avian influenza, to its national stockpile.

Bird-to-human transmission of avian influenza is rare, with only a small number of cases previously recorded in the UK.