DOH Update on Respiratory Viruses, Including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

As respiratory virus season approaches, the Washington State Department of Health encourages all Washington residents to protect themselves by getting updated vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, if recommended. The DOH Respiratory Illness Dashboard shows that while COVID-19 activity is decreasing from an early autumn peak, emergency department visits and hospitalizations for influenza and RSV are starting to slowly climb and are expected to continue rising in the coming weeks. Influenza positive laboratory tests are also increasing according to the DOH Weekly Influenza Update. A Grays Harbor County resident with H5N5 avian influenza died in November. Exposure to domestic poultry, their environment, or wild birds were the most likely source of exposure for this patient. The risk of avian influenza increases in the fall and winter because migratory birds can carry the virus and spread it to domestic animals, including commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks. Physicians should consider highly pathogenic avian influenza infection in patients who present with acute respiratory illness, isolated conjunctivitis, or influenza-like illness. Assess patients with suspected or confirmed influenza for exposure to wild, captive, and livestock animals, including poultry and cattle; sick or dead animals or their environment, including pets; consuming or handling raw animal products (e.g., raw cow milk, products made with raw cow milk, and raw meat-based pet food); or recent close contact with a symptomatic person who is suspected or confirmed to have avian influenza. Additional details on highly pathogenic avian influenza are available from the Department of Health’s recent provider alert.