H5N1 Bird Flu Update: No New Human Cases Globally, US Dairy and Poultry Workers at Risk

Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update Saturday, February 28, 2026. Good evening, this is your Daily H5N1 Update. Top stories from the last 24 hours. First, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports no new human H5N1 cases globally since the Cambodian case on February 14, with total confirmed human infections since 2003 holding steady at 994, including 476 deaths, a 48 percent case fatality rate. ECDC surveillance shows clade 2.3.2.1c circulating in Cambodian birds. Second, the CDC confirms U.S. human cases remain at 71 since February 2024, with 41 linked to dairy herds, 24 to poultry operations, and no new infections reported yesterday. Two U.S. deaths since 2024, both in individuals with underlying conditions exposed to backyard birds. Third, the Los Angeles Times reports H5N1 confirmed for the first time in California elephant seals, expanding mammal infections amid ongoing outbreaks in dairy cows, wild birds, and poultry nationwide. APHIS notes wild bird detections updated as of February 24. Case numbers show no change from yesterday: global humans steady at 994 per ECDC as of February 16 data; U.S. at 71 per CDC. The Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong echoes no new human cases, citing Cambodia's February 14 report as latest. No new guidance from WHO or CDC today, but ECDC's weekly report urges continued monitoring of multi-country poultry and mammal outbreaks. Now, a brief word from Dr. Maria Rodriguez, avian flu epidemiologist at the Global Center for Health Security. "While human cases remain sporadic with low public risk, the virus's jump to new mammals like elephant seals signals sustained wild bird reservoirs. Dairy and poultry workers must prioritize PPE and testing." Dr. Rodriguez, thank you. Looking ahead, expect ECDC's next weekly report on March 6 covering week 9 data, potential updates on Cambodia surveillance, and CDC's monthly targeted H5 surveillance refresh. Watch for U.S. state reports from Iowa and Kansas on ongoing outbreaks. Thank you for tuning in. Come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. For me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.