Avian flu detected in Houston area wastewater, public risk low

HOUSTON – The presence of avian influenza (H5N1) has been confirmed in wastewater samples from nine Texas cities, including the greater Houston area, according to the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI). The samples were collected between March 1 and May 13, 2024.

Despite these findings, no human cases of H5N1 have been reported in Harris County and the source of the virus in wastewater remains unknown. The most likely source is suspected to be related to agricultural activities.

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Despite the detection of H5N1 in wastewater, the public risk remains low.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is actively monitoring the situation in collaboration with local and regional partners. The Houston Area Health Alert Network (HAN) has issued two alerts to inform clinical providers of necessary testing protocols for H5N1. The Office of Epidemiology, Surveillance and Emerging Diseases (OESED) uses syndromic surveillance to detect any potential human cases and ensure outbreak prevention.

In accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HCPH advises the Harris County community to take the following precautions:

• Avoid exposure to sick or dead animals: This includes wild birds, poultry, other domestic birds and other wild or domestic animals (including cows).
• Avoid exposure to animal waste: Stay away from animal feces, bedding (litter), unpasteurized milk, or materials that have been in contact with birds or animals suspected or confirmed infected with the A(H5N1) virus.
• Avoid drinking raw milk: Pasteurization kills A(H5N1) viruses, making pasteurized milk safe for consumption.
• Take precautions if you have professional contact with animals: Follow CDC recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against potential exposure to infected or potentially infected birds or other animals.

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HCPH will maintain close cooperation with local and regional partners to monitor H5N1 virus activity in Harris County and surrounding areas. For more updates on the CDC’s response to H5N1, visit the CDC’s Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Response webpage. Additional tips and information about avian flu are available on the CDC’s Avian Flu webpage.