On February 3, 2025, the DPH released guidance on Enhancing Surveillance for Human Infections with HPAI H5N1 and Priorities for screening and subtyping of influenza and Pediatric influenza with neurological complications. H5N1 human cases have been rare in the US and primarily associated with direct contact with infected commercial chicken and turkey flocks or infected dairy cattle; no human cases have been identified in Massachusetts.
The memo includes guidance for health care providers priorities for surveillance of H5N1 in residents including:
- Isolation of patients with suspected HPAI
- Treatment of suspected HPAI
- Submission of samples for HPAI H5N1 testing to Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL)