Influenza A (H5N1)

Human Case Updates

In 2024 there were two human cases of influenza A (H5N1) identified in Michigan. Both occurred in farmworkers who had exposure to ill dairy cows. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk to the public remains low. View the CDC's situation and case summary for all in the U.S.

MDHHS and local health departments (LHDs) continue to work closely with farms and workers to conduct monitoring of the health of people exposed to sick animals.

Personal Protective Equipment Information

MDHHS and LHDs are providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for Michigan farmworkers and farms impacted by an animal outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). 

• The MDHHS Farmworker Outreach Services Division (FOSD) makes PPE available to Michigan farmworkers across the state through regional FOSD offices and other local partners (including LHDs). To get PPE, farmworkers can call or visit their regional FOSD office or LHD.
• Translation services are available. Farmworkers may call 833-SIAYUDA (833-742-9832) for information in their primary language.
• Farms experiencing an animal outbreak of HPAI may request PPE through their LHD.

PPE Educational Resources

• MDHHS PPE Flyers - (Spanish) (Haitian Creole) (Burmese) 
• CDC PPE Infographic - (Spanish)

Influenza Vaccination Information for Farmworkers

Protection is the best method! To protect your family against the spread of flu, contact the location below closest to you to discuss getting your flu vaccine.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA), Great Lakes Bay Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Intracare FQHC, and Local Health Departments (LHD) in Mid-Michigan and Central Michigan have partnered to increase access to the seasonal influenza vaccine and decrease the spread of flu among dairy cow and poultry farm workers in Michigan.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Variations of influenza viruses circulate annually among both animals and humans.  The spread of influenza typically happens from human to human or animal to animal transmission and in rare cases can be spread from animal to human. Animal to human transmission is primarily associated with dairy or poultry farm worker exposure to infected animals or their byproducts.

Symptoms can include:

• Eye redness (conjunctivitis)
• Mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms
• Fever (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) or feeling feverish
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Pneumonia requiring hospitalization

As we enter the peak of flu season, MDHHS is working closely with partners to ensure farm workers have access to seasonal flu vaccine. Expanding access to seasonal flu vaccines among farm workers can lower their risk of developing severe illness related to seasonal flu and limit the spread of seasonal flu among this community.