Do avian influenza viruses infect humans?

Answer:

Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses do not usually infect humans, but a number of confirmed cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have occurred since 1997, usually in persons who had close contact with infected poultry. One bird flu virus strain known as avian influenza A (H5N1) has been of particular concern in recent years.

The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains situation updates and cumulative reports of human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1). This information is available at http://pandemicflu.gov/#map. Additional information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/avian-flu-humans.htm.

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Last Updated: 03/21/2007