The Pan American Well being Group (PAHO) is urging nations throughout the Americas to strengthen surveillance for avian influenza because the virus continues to flow into amongst birds and mammals, regardless of a decline in animal outbreaks and no reported human instances within the area up to now this yr.
In an epidemiological replace issued this week, PAHO mentioned 10 nations reported 455 outbreaks of avian influenza A(H5) in animals between January and July 15, together with 386 outbreaks amongst birds and 69 amongst mammals.
The determine represents a 25.7% decline from the 612 outbreaks recorded throughout the identical interval in 2025. The lower was notably vital amongst mammals, with reported outbreaks falling almost 65%, from 196 final yr to 69 this yr.
Nonetheless, PAHO cautioned that the continued circulation of the virus means nations ought to stay vigilant and strengthen coordination throughout the human, animal and environmental well being sectors.
No human instances of avian influenza A(H5) have been reported within the Americas up to now in 2026, in keeping with PAHO.
Between 2022 and the tip of 2025, 75 human infections brought on by A(H5) viruses had been recorded in 5 nations within the area — Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and the USA. The latest human case within the Americas was reported in November 2025.
Globally, 1,002 laboratory-confirmed human instances of avian influenza A(H5N1) had been reported throughout 25 nations between 2003 and Aug. 7, 2026, together with 479 deaths.
9 human instances, together with two deaths, have been reported worldwide up to now this yr.
PAHO mentioned accessible scientific proof has not demonstrated sustained person-to-person transmission. Most human infections worldwide have been related to direct or oblique publicity to contaminated animals or contaminated environments.
The virus, nevertheless, continues to unfold amongst animals globally. Between October 2025 and July 2026, detections elevated considerably amongst wild birds, notably in Europe. New detections in Australia and New Zealand have additionally expanded the virus’s recognized geographic attain.
A joint evaluation by the Meals and Agriculture Group of the United Nations, World Well being Group and World Organisation for Animal Well being maintains that the general international public well being threat stays low. The chance is taken into account low to average for individuals who have occupational or frequent publicity to probably contaminated animals.
PAHO is recommending elevated surveillance amongst higher-risk teams, together with poultry staff, veterinarians, laboratory personnel and rural producers.
International locations are additionally being urged to strengthen biosecurity at animal manufacturing amenities, increase genomic surveillance to establish adjustments within the virus and quickly examine and report suspected instances and new outbreaks.
Individuals uncovered to contaminated animals ought to be monitored for 14 days following their final publicity for signs in keeping with the illness, PAHO mentioned.
The group confused that there isn’t any proof that avian influenza will be transmitted by consuming correctly cooked poultry, eggs or different poultry merchandise. It additionally reiterated suggestions that folks devour pasteurized fairly than uncooked milk to reduce potential well being dangers.
