What does the Environmental Protection Agency know about the persistence of AI virus in environmental media (soils, water, air)?

Answer

Avian influenza viruses, unlike spore-forming bacteria (e.g., anthrax), do not have the ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, but can persist for months in cold environmental conditions. Physical factors such as heat, extremes of pH, UV irradiation, and dryness can also inactivate avian influenza viruses. However, it is important to note that under certain conditions the virus can survive for long periods of time in the environment. Much remains to be learned about H5N1 in environmental media.

Related Avian Influenza Questions

• How do people become infected with avian influenza viruses?
• What are the symptoms of avian influenza in humans?
• How is avian influenza detected in humans?
• How is avian influenza in humans treated?
• How does H5N1 virus differ from seasonal influenza viruses that infect humans?

Last Updated: 05/22/2007