Influenza A, Novel

Immediately Reportable!
Reportable by Providers and laboratories
Influenza A, Novel

Infectious agent:  Influenza virus

Description of illness: Novel influenza A virus infection is defined as illness caused by a subtype not circulating in humans and different from the currently circulating human influenza H1 and H3 viruses. Novel influenza A is reportable in Tennessee and nationally notifiable to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Once a novel virus is identified by CDC, it will be nationally notifiable until CSTE in consultation with CDC determines that it is no longer necessary to report each case. Novel strains may occur sporadically or may trigger pandemics if they become easily transmissible from person to person.


Laboratory testing is required to differentiate a novel influenza strain from seasonal strains. Typically, PCR testing of a novel influenza A will be positive for a type A strain, but negative for specific seasonal influenza A viruses.