Communities concerned about avian influenza A (H5N1) can now provide efficient H5N1 testing, MD ordering, lab resulting, and e-prescriptions through Primary.Health.
To support public health departments and public health labs (PHLs) interested in monitoring avian influenza A (H5N1) in their communities, Primary.Health has enabled ordering of H5N1 testing through labconnect, its PHL portal.
This enhancement allows H5N1 PCR test orders to seamlessly flow into connected PHLs for fast and efficient processing. In the rare event of a positive case of H5N1, also known as bird flu, public health departments have the option to request e-prescribing and follow-up care from Primary.Health clinicians.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that H5N1 risk to the general public remains low, it issued a health advisory last month to inform clinicians, health departments, and the public of a confirmed H5N1 infection in a U.S. dairy worker. A previous human case of H5N1 occurred in 2022 in Colorado.
H5N1 testing guidelines
H5N1 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows. The CDC is working with states to monitor people with animal exposures and recommends testing persons for H5N1 in the following cases:
- Recent exposure (within 10 days) to HPAI A (H5N1) to virus infected birds or other animals;
- Exposure (within six feet) to an infected person without use of respiratory and eye protection;
- Laboratory exposure.
The agency is also monitoring influenza data among people to better understand the current H5N1 situation.
Make Primary.Health your public health partner
Support for H5N1 testing is the latest in Primary.Health’s affordable diagnostic, vaccination, and preventive screening solutions to keep people safe and healthy. Contact us to learn how our tech-powered clinical and public health lab integration services can benefit your community, public health organization, or large group.
