Epidemiological Update Outbreaks of avian influenza and public health implications in the Region of the Americas - 11 January 2023

Given the increasing detection of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds registered in 10 countries of the Region of the Americas, and the recent confirmation of the first human infection of influenza A(H5) in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) reiterates its guidelines on surveillance, laboratory diagnostics in human and animal samples and research. PAHO/WHO recommends strengthening surveillance of respiratory disease in animal and human populations, thorough investigation of all zoonotic infections, and pandemic influenza preparedness planning.