A new report included this week in CDC´s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) focused on a study that assessed levels of antibodies against H5N1 virus in blood samples of dairy farm workers (i.e. a serologic study) and provides updated insights into the degree to which they have been exposed to H5N1 bird flu during this year´s outbreak.

This report and data from case investigations from farm workers who had exposure to infected animals highlight the need to offer testing and treatment to workers with exposure to sick animals. In addition, this report describes the need to improve and clarify guidance to farm workers and their employers about what personal protective equipment (PPE) to use, and how best to use it to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the virus.

CDC has updated its interim recommendations for prevention, monitoring, and public health investigations of H5N1, as well as its guidance for how people working with H5N1 infected animals or animal products can protect themselves from exposure to this virus. These updates include enhanced recommendations for antiviral post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and testing, as well as prioritized recommendations on PPE based on risk of H5N1 exposure. CDC and its partners are also increasing outreach to those most at risk of exposure to animals with H5N1 bird flu to communicate these important updates supported by new data presented in the MMWR.