As California confirms its fourth human bird flu case of 2023, concerns grow over the virus’s potential to jump from animals to humans.
At a Glance
- Fourth human bird flu case confirmed in California; all cases involved contact with infected animals.
- No evidence of human-to-human transmission; public risk remains low.
- Two additional suspected cases under investigation; CDC involved in testing.
- CDPH working with local health jurisdictions for surveillance and prevention.
- PPE and vaccines distributed to farm workers to reduce risk.
California Confirms Fourth Human Bird Flu Case
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed the state’s fourth human case of bird flu in 2023. This case involves an individual from the Central Valley who had exposure to infected dairy cattle. So far, contact with infected animals at separate farms is the common link among the confirmed cases, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission. As a result, public health officials maintain that the risk to the general public remains low.
The CDPH, alongside local health jurisdictions, is monitoring these cases closely. They are collaborating with authorities to ensure rigorous tracking, testing, and treatment. For instance, the CDPH has already sent specimens from two additional suspected cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further testing. Consequently, the health department advocates that farm workers and those handling potentially infected animals use personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of infection.
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
Mild Symptoms and Preventive Measures
All settled cases in California have reported mild symptoms, such as conjunctivitis, with none requiring hospitalization. Furthermore, genomic sequencing by the CDC shows no increased virus transmission ability between people or reduced antiviral medication effectiveness. Other preventive measures include reassurance that pasteurization inactivates the bird flu virus, making pasteurized milk and dairy products safe for consumption. The CDPH has also distributed substantial quantities of PPE to farm workers to ensure their safety.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/4th-human-case-bird-flu-234709285.html
Monitoring and support for potentially exposed individuals continue through collaboration between local health departments and the CDPH. The focus is on health checks, testing, and encouraging seasonal flu vaccinations to reduce severe illness risk. These efforts are part of CDPH’s preparedness strategy since bird flu was first detected in California’s poultry in 2022, developed jointly with the California Department of Food & Agriculture.
CDC and CDPH Recommendations
The CDC and CDPH advise avoiding contact with wild birds and sick or dead animals to prevent bird flu transmission. Consuming unpasteurized milk or raw cheese is not recommended. Symptoms of bird flu can include eye redness, fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, runny nose, and muscle aches. The CDC continues characterizing these viruses, employing sequencing and isolation methods to monitor and understand their potential threat further.
Authorities assure the public that they are actively handling the situation and working hard to prevent further cases. Updates are available on official CDPH and CDC platforms for those seeking more information. Receiving vaccinations, adhering to health guidelines, and practicing proper hygiene remain pivotal in protecting personal health and controlling the virus’s spread.