Los Angeles County health officials reported the first human case bird flu in the area, less than a week after the statewide emergency declaration was announced.
In a statement released Monday, the LA County Department of Public Health said the human case of H5 bird flu was detected in an adult who was exposed to livestock infected with the virus in the workplace.
The unnamed adult had mild symptoms, has been treated with antivirals and is recovering at home, according to the agency.
“The overall risk of H5 bird flu to the public remains low,” health officials said.
Particles (rod-shaped) of three influenza A (H5N1/bird flu) viruses. Note: Design includes two CDC transmission micrographs that have been inverted, repositioned, and colorized by NIAID. The scale has changed.
CDC and NIAID
At least 65 human cases of bird flu have been confirmed nationally, including at least 36 in California, according to the CDC.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on December 18 after cases of bird flu were detected in dairy cows on farms in southern California. The virus was also previously detected in the state’s Central Valley.
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to quickly respond to this outbreak,” Newsom said last week.
Symptoms of bird flu in humans include red or runny eyes, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle or body aches, diarrhea and vomiting, according to health officials.
People who work with infected animals, including cattle, poultry or wildlife, remain at increased risk of exposure to the virus.
“People rarely get bird flu, but people who interact with infected livestock or wildlife are at increased risk of infection. This case reminds us that we need to take basic precautions to avoid exposure,” Muntu Davis, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. , he said in Monday’s speech.
“People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, including cattle, poultry, and wild birds; avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products, such as raw milk; and protect pets and backyard birds from exposure to wild animals,” Davis added. .
The health official also recommended getting the seasonal flu vaccine, which “can help prevent severe illness from seasonal flu while also reducing the risk of seasonal and bird flu infections.”
