The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an official health advisory Tuesday on bird infections with highly-pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N2), (H5N8), and (H5N11), viruses.
Here are five things to know:
1. Between December 15, 2014 and May 29, 2015, the USDA found over 40 million birds in 20 states had been infected or exposed to avian influenza.
2. This appearance of HPAI H5 in North American birds "may increase the likelihood of human interaction in the United States," said the advisory.
3. The CDC considers the new strain of virus as "having the potential to cause severe disease in humans."
4. The CDC also advises clinicians to consider the possibility of HPAI H5 virus infection in persons who show signs or symptoms of respiratory illness who have relevant exposure history; such as contact with potentially-infected birds.
5. State health departments are being asked to investigate potential cases and notify CDC within 24 hours.
