Two confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in California; CDC
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The CDC announced Thursday that there are confirmed cases of the H5 Bird Flu in California.
They say that two human cases of H5 bird flu have come out of the state and those infected had occupational exposure to dairy cows carrying to virus.
According to the CDC, the California investigation is ongoing but they say that risk of infection to the general public is low. They say that people with exposure to infected animals have a higher risk of infection and there is no known link or connection between the two confirmed human cases in the state.
CDC is working closely with the state and other public health officials to support control efforts in the spread of H5N1 from animals to humans, according to CDC, as well as the state's efforts to lower the risk of H5N1 spread to farm workers.
CDC says that it is conducting additional research into the characterizations of the virus like sequencing, isolating and growing H5N1 bird flu.
Back in August 2024, CDC says that H5N1 outbreaks among dairy herds were first being reported, although these two most recent cases are the first in humans. They say this year was also the first time that the H5N1 bird flu was detected in cows.
Since 2022, CDC says that the virus has been widespread in wild birds and continued to spread to other poultry throughout the United States.
"16 human cases of H5 have been reported in the United States during 2024, bringing the total to 17 cases since 2022," wrote CDC in a statement Thursday. "Cases during 2024 have been reported in Texas (1), Michigan (2), Colorado (10), Missouri (1) and California (2)."
CDC says that six of the 16 reported human cases have been linked to exposure to sick or infected dairy cows while nine of the cases were caused by exposure to infected poultry (the source of infection for the solo case in Missouri has not been determined).
CDC recommends human protection by avoiding contact with wild birds and sick or dead animals as well as not preparing or eating unpasteurized milk or raw cheese. They also suggest workers who deal with dairy cows or other animals potentially infected with H5N1 bird flu to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) around dairy cows, raw milk, other animals or other items that might be contaminated with virus.
CDC recommends that people feeling sick after close contact with infected animals, contact their local health department and a health care provider for testing. They say that symptoms of H5 include eye redness (conjunctivitis), mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, a runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches.
