CDC has released a new avian influenza A(H5) wastewater detections webpage. This webpage displays wastewater testing results for the detection of H5 for the most recent 6 weeks of available data. Results include data from more than 150 sites, as reported to CDC by WastewaterSCAN and some states who are testing for H5.
Positive influenza A(H5) detections in wastewater provide a signal for CDC, state, and local public health partners, along with traditional influenza surveillance data, to better understand the contributing factors and possible public health implications. Wastewater data cannot determine the source of avian influenza A(H5) viruses. Detections could come from a human or from an animal (like a bird) or an animal product (like milk from an infected cow). Detections of avian influenza A(H5) virus in wastewater do not necessarily indicate human cases. Wastewater results for avian influenza A(H5) virus provide an additional source of data to complement and inform public health planning and response efforts.
