A human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) infection, also known as “bird flu”, has been reported in Victoria.
There is a current global outbreak of avian influenza in birds and animals. Avian influenza does not usually infect people, but in rare cases human infection can occur.
The recently reported case in Victoria was in a child who returned to Australia from overseas in March 2024. The child experienced a severe infection but is no longer unwell and has made a full recovery.
There is no evidence of transmission in Victoria and the chance of additional human cases is very low as avian influenza does not easily spread between people.