Bird Flu Case Reported in California

California’s public health department reported a possible case of bird flu in a child with mild respiratory symptoms on Tuesday, but said there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus and that the child’s family members tested negative.

Investigation Underway

California officials said they have sent test specimens from the child to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation.

A CDC spokesperson said the agency is aware of the presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza, is collaborating with the state’s investigation, and will provide further updates promptly. The agency has said the risk to the general public remains low.

Global Cases

Although human infections in the United States have been rare, bird flu has infected 53 people since April, according to the CDC, most recently a person in Oregon last week tied to a bird flu outbreak in a commercial poultry operation in the state.

In Canada, officials earlier this month reported that a teen infected with bird flu in British Columbia was in critical condition.

Local Response

The child in California was in daycare with mild symptoms before the illness was reported, the state said.

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Local health officials have contacted potentially exposed caregivers and families to check for symptoms and offer preventive treatment and testing if they become symptomatic.

The child and all close family members have been treated with preventive medication, the state said. The child had no known contact with an infected animal, but public health experts are investigating a possible exposure to wild birds.

“It’s natural for people to be concerned, and we want to reinforce for parents, caregivers and families that based on the information and data we have, we don’t think the child was infectious,” said California health department director Dr. Tomas Aragon, adding, “and no human-to-human spread of bird flu has been documented in any country for more than 15 years.”

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Conclusion

The California health department is monitoring the situation closely and urges residents to take precautions to avoid contracting the virus. The public is advised to avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds and to not consume raw milk or raw milk products.

FAQs

Q: Is the risk to the general public high?

A: No, according to the CDC, the risk to the general public remains low.

Q: How many people have been infected with bird flu in the US?

A: According to the CDC, 53 people have been infected with bird flu in the US since April.

Q: Can bird flu spread from person to person?

A: No, according to Dr. Tomas Aragon, California health department director, no human-to-human spread of bird flu has been documented in any country for more than 15 years.