Risk, Safety, & Resilience

Public Health Concerns

Below is information regarding current or emerging illnesses that are being monitored by Federal, state, local, and George Mason University public health officials and medical professionals.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

George Mason University has been closely monitoring Avian Influenza, also known as H5N1 or Bird Flu.  Avian Influenza has become more widespread in wild birds worldwide causing infections in some herds of poultry and dairy cows.  Cases of transmission from these animals to humans exposed have occurred.  Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu symptoms (fever, congestion, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea).  Typically, symptoms are mild and individuals make a full recovery, however, one recent human infection resulted in a death in Louisiana on January 6, 2025.  Additional information about Avian Influenza may be found at H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation | Bird Flu | CDC or https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/influenza-flu-in-virginia/avian-flu/ for state-wide updates. 

Currently the risk to the public is considered low, however individuals with certain job-related or recreational exposure potential may take precautions to reduce risk.  These may include:

Norovirus

Norovirus is the leading cause of acute vomiting and diarrhea (gastroenteritis) among people of all ages in the United States.  It can be spread via germs by contact exposure on surfaces and is the cause of 58% of foodborne illnesses in the United States.  Symptoms are generally self-limited, however, severe illness can occur in some cases requiring emergency department visits, hospitalizations or death.  In recent weeks, cases have surged and have accounted for 10-20% of urgent care and emergency room visits locally.  For further information on local cases, see the VDH website https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/food-safety-in-virginia/foodborne-diseases-and-outbreaks/foodborne-disease-data/gi-report/. 

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against norovirus and should not be used as a substitute for proper hand washing.  Those with suspected norovirus are recommended to not return to work for 48 hours after symptoms resolve due to continued high levels of contagiousness to others How Norovirus Spreads | Norovirus | CDC.  Good hand-hygiene with thorough handwashing is recommended for up to 2 weeks after the illness since individuals can still spread the virus for this duration of time.  For more information about Norovirus, visit the CDC website Norovirus Facts and Stats | Norovirus | CDC or Norovirus Infection – Epidemiology for information from the state of Virginia. 

Pneumonia

Since the fall of 2024, there has been a notable increase in the cases of pneumonia.  This has affected all age ranges but has especially affected children ages 0-17 years old at a rate that has been triple the average per week in previous years.  A particularly high rate of Mycoplasma pneumonia, an atypical pneumonia, has been noted as one of the more frequent causes of these pediatric cases. This has been noted both nationally and locally in Virginia (see letter from the Commonwealth of Virginia State Health Commissioner Increase in Pneumonia and Pertussis Infections – Clinicians).   

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung and can be caused by a variety of germs, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi.  Pneumonia can range in severity from a mild illness to a severe, even life-threatening illness.  Symptoms of pneumonia include cough, fever, chills, and may also cause shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, and a rapid pulse.  Individuals with these symptoms should seek evaluation with their primary care provider, urgent care or emergency room promptly.   

Recently, vaccine guidelines changed in late 2024 and now a pneumonia vaccine is recommended for all individuals aged 50 and up, along with routine vaccines for children and younger adults with certain risk factors.  More information about pneumonia can be found on the CDC website About Pneumonia | Pneumonia | CDC or Pneumonia – Epidemiology for statewide updates in Virginia. 

Seasonal Illnesses 

Other useful resources regarding updates on levels of seasonal illnesses in Virginia are available on the VDH website’s data tracker at Respiratory Disease Data – Epidemiology 

To prevent these and other airborne illnesses, practice the CDC’s Core Preventative Strategies: