Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory infections can impact employee absenteeism due to illness or caregiving duties. Organizations in the US and elsewhere should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members.

Situation: The US reported an uptick in influenza activity in the most recent week of data after 3 weeks of decreasing activity. Influenza-like illness outpatient visits, influenza-related emergency department visits, and influenza test positivity increased in the most recent week compared to the previous week. RSV and COVID-19 activity remain elevated in some areas of the country. Globally, influenza activity decreased but remains elevated. Regional increases were observed in Central America, the Caribbean, South West and Eastern Europe, and Western Asia. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Legionnaires’ disease spreads through inhaling aerosolized contaminated water from sources like cooling towers, pools/hot tubs, showers, or fountains. Employees working or living in Ector County, Texas, should seek immediate medical attention if flu-like symptoms appear. Organizations that own or manage buildings in the county with cooling towers should inspect and test their cooling towers, and if Legionella is found, ensure full remediation within 24 hours, as per official guidance.

Situation: Health officials detected an unusual increase in Legionnaires' disease cases in Ector County, after 12 cases, including 2 deaths, were confirmed from mid-November to early January. Cases significantly increased starting in late December. Media sources reported that the cases are sporadic and no common exposure location has been identified yet, but investigations are still ongoing. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: This case of an avian influenza infection in a domestic cat underscores the need for organizations to maintain their preparedness plans. Organizations should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 1/10, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees.

Situation: Washington health officials reported that a domestic outdoor cat in Grant County tested positive and died from highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5) after having contact with a dead wild bird. There were no human infections linked to the cat. Officials urged pet owners, especially those with outdoor animals, to take precautions to limit contact with wild birds and contaminated environments. Since the avian influenza outbreak began in 2022, 149 domestic cats in the US have tested positive, including 4 cats in Washington linked to raw pet food, making this the state’s 1st confirmed cat infection associated with exposure to an infected wild bird. [Confidence: Very High]