As flu season nears, Europe is increasing surveillance for human cases of H5N1 influenza, also known as bird flu. As reported by the Telegraph, new guidelines from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will be focused on ensuring the rapid detection of cases, such as updates to testing protocols and symptoms to look out for in potential cases.
“We’ve updated our guidance to include milder symptoms in individuals exposed to birds or other animals,” Angeliki Melidou, principal expert in respiratory viruses at the ECDC, told The Telegraph. “The priority is to strengthen surveillance and ensure we monitor and follow up with exposed individuals.”
