13 human cases of bird flu confirmed in California

(KRON) — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported Friday that 13 total human cases of bird flu have been confirmed in the state.

The CDPH said the cases have been identified from Central Valley residents who had direct contact with infected dairy cattle. The cases were confirmed after additional testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

None of the individuals were hospitalized and were only treated for mild symptoms, including eye redness or discharge, said the CDPH.

The health organization said evidence continues to suggest only animal-to-human contact spread of the virus, and that there is no evidence to suggest an increased ability for the virus to infect or spread between people.

The CDPH said while there is a low risk to the public, “sporadic” human cases of bird flu are still expected to be confirmed in California among individuals who have consistent contact with infected dairy cattle. It added that it continues to partner with local health jurisdictions “to identify, track, test, confirm, and treat possible and confirmed human cases of bird flu.”

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