Clinicians should consider the possibility of avian influenza virus infection in persons showing signs or symptoms of acute respiratory illness or conjunctivitis who have a relevant exposure history. This includes people who had contact with potentially infected sick or dead birds, livestock, or other animals within 10 days before symptom onset.
If avian influenza virus infection is suspected or confirmed in any patient:
- Isolate the patient and follow infection control recommendations, including using PPE. Standard, contact, and airborne precautions, including the use of eye protection, are recommended.
- Initiate antiviral treatment with oseltamivir as soon as possible without waiting for the results of influenza testing.
- Immediately contact LFHD. They can coordinate testing with the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) if needed. Specimen collection guidance can be found on the DCLS website.
- Expedite subtyping of influenza A-positive specimens from all hospitalized patients. More information in CDC’s Health Alert (HAN) Health Advisory.
- Please see DCLS Accelerated Flu Type A Testing Guidance
LFHD Contacts for Healthcare Providers
Normal Business Hours
Clarissa Bonnefond
District Epidemiologist
Direct Line: 540-771-3725
Email: Clarissa.bonnefond@vdh.virginia.gov
Stephanie Neal
District Epidemiologist, Jr.
Direct Line: 540-459-6960
Email: Stephanie.neal@vdh.virginia.gov
Outside of Business Hours
LFHD Answering Service
Direct Line: 540-665-8611
Resources
VDH Guidance on Monitoring Healthcare Providers Exposed to Novel Influenza A Viruses
VDH Clinician Letter Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Pharmacist Influenza Testing – October 8, 2024
VDH Clinician Letter Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Update for Virginia – May 3, 2024
CDC Evaluating and Managing Patients Exposed to Animals or Persons Infected with Novel Influenza A Viruses