Building the Future of Biodefense
Biothreat intelligence to deter and detect natural, accidental, deliberate and novel biological agents.
ADVISORY
Washington confirms first-ever H5N5 human infection
11/17/2025
Washington, Grays Harbor County
Recommendation: This positive avian influenza human case in Washington does not change PHC's recommendations for organizations. No human-to-human spread of avian influenza has been detected so far. Organizations should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 1/10 and 2/13, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Employees should avoid live-animal markets and not have contact with or consume diseased poultry.
Situation: Washington health officials reported that the preliminary positive avian influenza case in a Harbor County resident was confirmed as H5N5. H5N5 is an avian influenza virus that, before this case, was not previously reported in humans, though it was detected in animals. The individual, an older adult with underlying conditions, remains hospitalized. The affected person had a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry at home that was exposed to wild birds. Health officials stated that the backyard flock or wild birds are the most likely source of exposure; however, the investigation is ongoing. Officials have not identified any increased risk to the public. [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
Cambodia confirms a H5N1 human death
11/17/2025
Cambodia, Phnom Penh
Recommendation: This new H5N1 case in Cambodia does not change PHC's recommendations for organizations. No human-to-human spread of avian influenza has been detected. Organizations should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 1/10 and 2/13, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Employees should avoid live-animal markets and not have contact with or consume diseased poultry.
Situation: Cambodia confirmed a new H5N1 human case in a 22-year-old man from the Kien Khlesang Village in Phnom Penh that resulted in death on 11/15. Health officials are investigating the case to identify the possible source of infection, search for suspected cases, distribute Tamiflu to close contacts, and conduct health campaigns among residents in affected villages. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Testing reveals Marburg virus is behind the suspected viral hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Ethiopia
11/14/2025
Ethiopia, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region
Recommendation: PHC recommends reviewing and updating business continuity plans to prepare for high-consequence infectious disease threats. PHC will monitor the event and provide updates as needed.
Situation: The WHO confirmed Marburg virus is the cause of the suspected viral hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Ethiopia. At least 9 cases have been reported in the outbreak so far. This is the 1st ever Marburg virus outbreak in Ethiopia. See PHC alert on 11/13 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Measles exposure at an Oasis concert, airports, and flights in Australia
11/14/2025
Australia, New South WalesAustralia, Queensland
Recommendation: Organizations in Sydney and in the West Moreton region, Australia, should inform employees about the possible measles exposures and provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment.
Situation: Australian health officials confirmed a measles case in an Ipswich resident from Queensland who traveled to the Sydney area. The individual may have exposed the public at the Oasis concert at ACCOR Stadium on 11/8 and at Sydney Airport on 11/8 and 11/10. Potential exposures also occurred at Brisbane Domestic Airport and on flights Jetstar #JQ815 (Brisbane to Sydney, 11/8) and Qantas #QF556 (Sydney to Brisbane, 11/10). Additional exposure locations, including public trains, are listed at the source link. Exposed individuals should monitor for measles symptoms (7-21 days from exposure). [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
Tokyo issues early influenza alert as cases surge
11/14/2025
Japan, Tokyo
Recommendation: Influenza and other respiratory infections can impact employee absenteeism due to illness or caregiving duties. Organizations in Tokyo, Japan, should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members.
Situation: Tokyo issued an influenza alert as cases have risen sharply. The warning threshold was more than 6 weeks earlier than last year, and marks the first time in 16 years that an alert was issued in November. In the week ending 11/9, medical institutions reported an average of 29 cases per facility, with 12 of 31 public health centers exceeding the warning threshold. 1,616 cases of influenza-like illness outbreaks in schools, social welfare facilities, and other facilities in Tokyo have been reported since 9/1, leading to 1,125 schools and childcare facility closures, far surpassing last year’s 99 closures for the same period. Officials urged residents to practice good respiratory hygiene, including handwashing and wearing masks to prevent infection. [Confidence: Very High]
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