Confirms first cases of bird flu in humans in California. Photo: Shutterstock
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first two cases of H5 bird flu in people in Californiawe explain what the current situation is.
These cases, the first in humans reported in the stateare related to workers who had occupational exposure to infected dairy cows. Despite these confirmations, the CDC notes that the risk to the general population remains low.
According to the bulletin issued by the CDC, There is no known link between the two reported cases.suggesting that they are independent transmission events from animals to humans.
Local authorities in California are carrying out an investigation to determine the extent of the outbreak and measures are being taken to control the spread of the virus in the state, especially among workers who have direct contact with infected animals.
H5 avian flu situation
The virus H5N1which has primarily affected wild and poultry birds in the United States since 2022, was first detected in dairy cows in August 2024.
This unprecedented situation led to an increase in monitoring and control efforts in California and other affected states.
The new human cases are within a broader context of outbreaks in animals, including 281 herds of dairy cows infected to date.
Until now, 17 human cases of H5 bird flu have been reported in the United States from 2022.
In 2024, cases have been concentrated in states such as Texas, Michigan, Colorado, Missouri and now Californiawith a total of 16 confirmed cases this year. Six of these cases are related to exposure to infected dairy cows, while nine involve poultry workers.
The CDC, in collaboration with state authorities, continues monitoring the situation closelyusing its flu surveillance systems to monitor possible new cases in humans.
They are also being carried out more detailed studies on the virusincluding efforts to sequence and isolate the virus in patient samples.
To prevent the transmission of H5 avian flu, the CDC issued a series of recommendations for people at risk, especially workers who are in contact with potentially infected animals.
These include the use of personal protective equipment when handling dairy cows, poultry, or raw animal products such as unpasteurized milk.
Additionally, anyone experiencing symptoms similar to those of the flu, such as fever, sore throat, or trouble breathing after exposure to animals, to seek medical attention and perform testing to rule out H5 infection.
The most common symptoms of H5 bird flu in humans include conjunctivitis, fever, cough and muscle painand it is recommended to follow protection guidelines in areas affected by outbreaks, such as avoiding contact with wild birds and sick animals.
