"The use of this test by laboratories that are part of the LRN, in conjunction with other laboratory testing and clinical observations, may enable earlier detection of influenza cases caused by this specific virus and allow public health agencies to investigate sources of infection and more quickly respond with control and prevention activities," said CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding.

Information obtained from this test will be used to track cases of illness with this strain of virus. Testing for this virus is indicated when a patient has symptoms of severe respiratory illness and a risk of exposure (e.g., direct contact with sick, dead or infected poultry in a country with outbreaks of influenza H5N1 among poultry).


CDC recommends that testing for influenza A/H5 (Asian lineage) should be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with local or state health departments. If a clinician suspects a patient may be infected with an avian influenza virus, they should contact their state or local health department. CDC's full recommendations are available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm55e203a1.htm. Further information on the expedited review process used by FDA for this approval can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/avianflu/process.html.

For information on pandemic influenza, state summits and preparedness activities go to http://www.pandemicflu.gov.

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