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H5N5 avian influenza remains extremely rare in the United States, with only isolated detections and no evidence of sustained human-to-human spread. Public health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, especially following the recent fatal case, but current indicators still point to a low overall risk for the general population.
Amira Roess is a professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University's College of Public Health, Department of Global and Community Health. She is an epidemiologist with expertise in infectious diseases epidemiology, multidisciplinary and multi-species field research and evaluating interventions to reduce the transmission and impact of infectious diseases.
Roess answers questions about H5N5 below.
Are U.S. health professionals worried about the potential for H5N5 to spread more widely?
Health professionals are taking note of this first death from H5N5, especially those in areas where human cases have been reported. However, the U.S. has entered flu season, and clinicians are more concerned about the other influenza strains that are circulating because those are the ones causing increases in cases and hospital visits.
Do recent fatal H5 infections in North America—occurring without human-to-human transmission—offer any reassurance?
Whenever we see an increase in influenza deaths in poultry or wild birds, we need to take notice and activate robust surveillance so that we can keep an eye on the strains circulating and identify important mutations if they arise. The fact that we haven’t seen severe human cases indicates that so far the circulating strains do not seem to pose a significant threat to human health.
What should people in the U.S. and globally understand about the current risks associated with highly pathogenic H5 viruses? Does the risk still remain “low”?
For now the risk appears low. We know that influenza can cause significant disruptions in healthcare settings, in senior housing settings, and in local economies. The best thing that you can do is get the vaccine and take care of your health so that if you are exposed to the virus you can fight it.
Is there anything else you think the public should keep in mind given the current situation?
Individuals who have weakened immune systems need to be extra vigilant during flu season. They should consider wearing masks and avoiding contact with sick individuals. The individual who died in Washington state had a weakened immune system and also had poultry that came into contact with wild birds.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: For reporters who wish to speak to Amira Roess about H5N5 and other infectious diseases, please email media contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.
Amira Roess is a professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University's College of Public Health, Department of Global and Community Health. She is an epidemiologist with expertise in infectious diseases epidemiology, multidisciplinary and multi-species field research and evaluating interventions to reduce the transmission and impact of infectious diseases. Roess currently oversees several longitudinal studies to understand emergence and transmission of zoonotic infectious diseases globally, including the emergence and transmission of Campylobacter (with support from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), MERS-CoV (with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation), and the development of the microbiome during the first year of life. She studies links between food animal production and emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases emergence globally, and mHealth (especially apps) technology integration and evaluations to reduce the impact of infectious disease outbreaks, promote health care, and help reduce disparities.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.
About College of Public Health at George Mason University
The College of Public Health at George Mason University is the first College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The college is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The college offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The college’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan.