The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) announced today (the 3rd) that, based on monitoring data from the Agricultural Ministry’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, since the first detection of an H5N1 avian influenza virus (abbreviated H5N1) case in a poultry farm in November 2022, the cumulative number of confirmed poultry farm cases in our country has reached 135, concentrated between December and March. As of January 30, 2026, there have already been 7 case farms this year. Respiratory secretions and excretions from animals infected with H5N1 may contain the virus, and the CDC urges the public to implement the “5 Must, 6 Must Not” epidemic prevention principles.
The CDC explains that “novel A‑type influenza” refers to influenza A viruses other than the seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 strains that circulate annually among humans, which sporadically infect humans. These viruses primarily infect birds or mammals such as pigs and belong to the influenza A virus group; once they infect humans, they are collectively referred to as “novel A‑type influenza” cases. To prevent the emergence of animal‑to‑human novel A‑type influenza cases, local health authorities, upon receiving reports of animal influenza outbreaks, immediately launch investigations and assist site‑clearing personnel in correctly implementing personal protection. From November 2022 to the present, a total of 4,925 contacts of animal influenza case sites have been identified for health‑status monitoring, with 66 individuals still under observation and the remainder having completed monitoring. The CDC reminds relevant staff to practice self‑protection during operations, perform disinfection after work, and cooperate with a 10‑day health follow‑up. If acute respiratory infection or conjunctivitis symptoms appear, they should be reported immediately and the medical personnel should be informed of the individual’s occupation and animal exposure history to facilitate early diagnosis.
Regarding the international situation, according to CDC monitoring data, as of February 2 this year there have been no human H5N1 cases; in 2025 there were a cumulative 30 cases, including 12 deaths, with Cambodia reporting the highest number of cases (18, of which 9 were fatal) throughout the year. The United States and Bangladesh each reported 3 cases, India and Vietnam each reported 2 cases, and the United Kingdom and Mexico each reported 1 case; all patients fell ill before May 2025. In 2025, there were 73 cases of novel A‑type influenza, besides H5N1, other subtypes such as H5N2, H5N5, H9N2 and H10N3 were reported, with China accounting for the most with 38 H9N2 cases. For travel‑related novel A‑type influenza advisories, 15 provinces and municipalities in China (Sichuan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Chongqing, Hunan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, Fujian, Hubei, Henan, Shaanxi, Tianjin, Jiangsu) and Cambodia are classified as Level 2: Alert, urging the public to take enhanced protection when in those areas; other provinces and municipalities in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) as well as the United States, United Kingdom, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Ghana, Canada, and Bangladesh are classified as Level 1: Watch, reminding the public to follow general preventive measures locally.
The CDC urges the public to practice the “5 Must, 6 Must Not” epidemic prevention principles in daily life to guard against novel A‑type influenza and reduce infection risk:
5 Must: Ensure poultry meat and eggs are fully cooked; develop a habit of washing hands frequently with soap; wear a mask and seek medical care when symptoms appear; eligible individuals should receive regular influenza vaccinations funded by the government; maintain a balanced diet and exercise to boost immunity.
6 Must Not: Do not consume raw poultry or egg products; do not purchase animals of unknown origin; do not touch or feed birds; do not release or discard poultry or livestock indiscriminately; do not keep poultry and livestock together; do not go to poorly ventilated or crowded places.
For more information, visit the CDC’s global website “Novel A‑type Influenza Section” ( https://gov.tw/qru ) or call the toll‑free epidemic prevention hotline 1922.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Compiled by: Epidemiology Management Office
