The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a new health advisory encouraging providers and laboratories to continue testing for influenza A throughout the summer months to support early detection of avian influenza A (H5N1) in humans.

While the risk to the general public remains low and no human-to-human transmission has been identified, rapid detection and characterization of novel influenza A viruses remain critical components of state and national efforts to prevent additional human cases of H5N1.  

The advisory outlines guidance for clinicians, hospitals, and laboratories regarding when to test for influenza A, when to perform subtyping, and when to report or forward specimens to public health authorities.

Specifically, the advisory urges physicians to test for influenza in patients with respiratory illness–particularly those with exposure risk factors for avian influenza. Because conjunctivitis may be a presenting symptom of avian influenza, clinicians should test for influenza A in patients with both respiratory symptoms and conjunctivitis—even when other risk factors are not apparent.

All influenza A positive specimens should be sent to a public health laboratory for subtyping. 

Physicians are urged to review the full CDPH health advisory for detailed testing and reporting protocols.