Surveillance for human infections with avian influenza A(‎H5)‎ viruses: objectives, case definitions, testing and reporting

Overview

The overall objective of continual global surveillance for human infection with avian influenza A(H5) viruses is to detect and characterize any influenza A(H5) viruses infecting humans in order to: (1) promptly trigger public health control and response actions, (2) assess the trends of such infections and the public health risks posed (including the risk of a pandemic); and (3) inform global pandemic preparedness activities. This document summarizes the WHO implementation guidance on surveillance for human infection with influenza A(H5) viruses.