The California Department of Public Health has confirmed the fourth case of bird flu. It is linked to contact with infected Dairy cattle. No human to human transmission is being reported. While farm workers have a higher risk of infection, the general public is at low risk. The CDC is checking out two other potential cases.
Details on the Fourth Case
Another human case of bird flu has been reported in California by the Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Central Valley resident in the most recent case had direct contact with dairy cattle that were known to be infected.
There is no proof, according to health officials, that the virus spreads from person to person. This is the situation in every California report. It appears that everyone came into contact with infected dairy cattle. At this point, it is deemed safe for the general public.
Bird flu is spreading in poultry & cows. The current risk to the public is low & human infection is rare. People who work w/ infected animals are at higher risk. https://t.co/coNmWoY0IQ pic.twitter.com/tpBvC0Pekn
— California Department of Public Health (@CAPublicHealth) October 5, 2024
Symptoms and Safety Measures
Californians who have contracted the virus have shown mild symptoms like conjunctivitis. Fortunately, no hospital stays have been required. If someone must come into close contact with an infected animal, personal protective equipment (PPE) is advised to lower the person’s risk of infection.
Genomic sequencing conducted by the CDC indicates no increased ability for the virus to spread among humans, nor a reduced susceptibility to antiviral treatments. The CDPH urges people to avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products and to monitor any symptoms if they’ve been exposed.
H5N1 bird flu is spreading in poultry and cows. The current risk to most people from bird flu is low and human infection is rare. People who work with certain animals may be at higher risk. https://t.co/coNmWoY0IQ#H5N1 #BirdFlu pic.twitter.com/gtOVX7szuu
— California Department of Public Health (@CAPublicHealth) September 22, 2024
Government Response and Ongoing Investigation
California has been proactive in its response, with the CDPH and the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) preparing since the detection of bird flu in poultry back in 2022. Workers on farms and similar occupations are susceptible.
California is making a valuable PPE and seasonal flu vaccines. This is aimed to minimize the risk of the spread of the disease.
As two additional California cases await confirmation through CDC testing, officials are closely monitoring the situation, working with local health departments to keep track of symptoms, test specimens, and ensure proper treatment. The core of prevention lies in the containment and careful observation of potential outbreaks within livestock populations.
